Alyse Anderson Overcomes Health Scare and Family Challenges: Ready for Redemption at ONE 168

LockerRoom Team

31 Aug 2024

Alyse Anderson is no stranger to adversity, but the past year has tested her resolve like never before. From a sudden medical emergency to her father’s battle with cancer, Anderson has faced a series of personal challenges outside the cage. As she prepares for her upcoming fight at ONE 168, she reflects on how these experiences have shaped her journey back to the ring.

The first challenge came unexpectedly. “I was just sitting at home in my apartment in Coconut Creek, Florida...and it was just like an instant 10 out of 10 pain,” Anderson recalls. The source of the pain was a ruptured cyst that required emergency surgery. “It was the worst pain I've ever had... it was 8-10 hours from start to when I got into surgery.” The recovery was grueling, but Anderson persevered, moving her training camp to Las Vegas to start from scratch. “I just kept telling myself if I just show up every day, I will get better. It was slow at first, but I slowly started to see it was improving.”

However, her personal trials didn’t end there. As she recovered, her father’s health took a dire turn. “This year...when he finally went for his doctor's appointment, they found that his whole body is full of cancer. That just flipped my world upside down,” she shares, revealing the emotional toll it took on her.

Despite these setbacks, Anderson has found strength in her preparation for ONE 168. Training at Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas, she has been sharpening her skills and gaining confidence. “I've been training with Xtreme Couture...constantly getting new looks in, and I've been doing that since the end of January,” she explains. “I feel like that's really going to show in this fight, that my skills have improved a lot.”

Looking ahead to her bout against Victoria Souza, Anderson is focused on maintaining her range and utilizing her improved striking and grappling skills. Reflecting on Souza’s last fight, she admits, “I was so surprised...but I've definitely been training not to lead with your head now since I saw it.”

Being featured prominently at ONE 168 is particularly meaningful for Anderson. “It meant a lot, especially since last fight, I feel like I got a little overshadowed...to see the promotion get behind me in the United States made me feel really good and positive.”

For Anderson, this fight is more than just another match—it’s a chance to honor her father. “I literally think that if I win this fight that it would bring my dad so much joy and happiness because all he wants is to see me happy...I want to honor him in every way.”

Anderson’s determination and resilience have prepared her for this moment. With her health scare behind her and her father’s battle serving as inspiration, she is ready to show the world what she’s made of at ONE 168.