Fighting on home soil for the first time with a global organization, Alyse Anderson (6-2) is relishing the chance to have her friends and family on hand when ONE Championship comes to town.
“Lil’ Savage” takes on Thai superstar Stamp Fairtex (9-2) at “ONE Fight Night 10: Johnson vs. Moraes III” on Prime Video, which goes down live on May 5. The landmark event takes place at the sold out 1STBANK Center in Colorado, and it marks the promotion’s long-awaited U.S. on-ground debut.
It will be the first time Anderson competes in the United States since 2019, and those close to her have had questions since she joined the Singapore-based organization.
“Ever since I’ve been training and signed with ONE, many people, friends, and family have asked when they can come and watch me fight,” she said. “I’m always like, ‘Oh, I fight in Singapore,’ and I have to explain ONE Championship is based in Singapore and this whole promotion thing.
“It’s just super exciting, and I feel like it does help ease a lot of the pressure because instead of the anxiety, I just feel excited.”
While close friends and family members have had to watch Anderson compete on television over the past few years, they’ll now be in attendance at 1STBANK Center cheering her on.
But that’s not all.
As she bids to carry on the momentum gained from her thrilling submission win over Indian knockout artist Asha Roka in May 2022, Anderson will also be able to bring a full crew from her recently adopted gym in Florida – that being American Top Team.
“I’m happy to have my parents and my whole team here, compared to just one other person going to the other side of the world with me,” she said.
“My parents used to watch me (on TV) for the last two fights (I had). They had, like, a breakfast party at their house. It was 6 in the morning (in the U.S.)”
When she faces off against Stamp – one of the organization’s most recognizable names – Anderson will enjoy a pro-American crowd for the first time in her ONE career.
But the Michigan native doesn’t necessarily feel like she’ll fully reap the benefits of the home court advantage, given her rival’s charisma and star power.
“Yeah, she will get a warm reception from the fans because I think everyone likes her little dance stuff,” Anderson said. “I think it’s entertaining. Like, I can’t do that. So, it’s impressive. And who doesn’t? It’s part of ONE. It is a show. It’s entertainment. And it’s universally liked.
“It’s a good thing. It’s good for the promotion, and it’s good for the sport. So, it kind of sucks having people in the U.S. cheer against me. But at the same time, it’s just good for the sport and the promotion.”
