Exclusive interview: Johanna Persson has new belts in sight after winning world title on enemy turf

Johanna Persson. Photo: Chris Önnerby

Swedish Muay Thai sensation Johanna Persson put on a massive performance when she defeated Alex Rose for the ISKA world championship title this past weekend.

Rose is ranked No. 1 in England, but was no match for the multiple Swedish champion.

“The crowd loved the fight,” Persson tells Frontkick in a exclusive interview. “Rose is a technically great fighter with a good fighting IQ. When you face someone like that you need to be on your toes and fight smart. I’ve got so much respect for her – but not in the ring. We were there for a war.”

As a WBC European Champion and a WBC British Champion, Rose is a dangerous opponent for anyone. After five rounds of action, Persson claims The Brit was one of her absolute toughest fights to date, and is proud to share the ring with her.

“My plan was to start slow and get a feeling for her, before putting on more pressure and implementing my distance. Since it was five three-minute rounds I had a lot of time to work and wear her down. I knew I was in shape for that.”

Read more: Exclusive: Rising star Paulin Begai aims for UFC Paris after ARES FC title fight

Johanna Persson: “I have new belts in sight”

Over the past few years, Gefle Fight Center’s Johanna Persson has become one of the hottest prospects on the Scandinavian Muay Thai scene. She’s a decorated fighter with many titles to her name, including three Swedish Championship gold medals and a WMC Nordic title.

The ISKA world championship cements her position as one of the absolute best Muay Thai fighters in Europe right now.

What does the ISKA title mean for your career?

“It means so much. It’s a recognition that this is what I’m doing and will continue doing. We see this as a start. From now on there will be tougher fights and I need to work harder to level up. I don’t know when I will defend my belt, but it will be an exciting autumn and I have new titles in sight.”

Read more: UFC is back! All you need to know about Namajunas vs. Cortez this Saturday!

Subscribe to Frontkick.online on YouTube for the absolute best MMA and Muay Thai videos in Scandinavia, make sure to follow us on Instagram for the latest news!