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Teshya Noelani Alo was on the verge of losing nearly 10 pounds to Helena Crevar when ONE Championship offered her the most significant opportunity of her grappling career.

By Thursday evening in Bangkok, the lead had grown significantly.

Initially planned as a bantamweight bout at ONE Fight Night 39, the fight turned into an openweight match after a surprising weigh-in in Bangkok. Crevar ended up weighing in at 161.5lbs – over 15lbs above the bantamweight limit and almost 24lbs more than Alo, who came in at 138lbs.

Crevar also needed two tries to pass the hydration test within the three-hour examination period at the Best Western Wanda Grand Hotel.

Although it is still uncertain if injury or other elements contributed to the situation, the difference was substantial enough to eliminate any viable catchweight, compelling both teams to settle on an openweight match if the fight was to proceed.

Alo didn’t pause. “I came here for a confrontation, and I won’t go away without one,” she stated.

Similarly to when she first received the offer at the end of last year.

I truly agreed before I learned anything,” she said to the Bangkok Post last week, before traveling to Thailand from Oahu Island, where she resides with the Lee family, who are prominent figures in ONE Championship. “I was like, yes – wherever, whenever, I’ll be there.

This attitude has shaped the 28-year-old Hawaiian’s journey up to this point.

Alo’s path to elite grappling has been anything but traditional. She excelled in wrestling—winning four state championships—and judo during middle and high school, but she only fully dedicated herself to Brazilian jiu-jitsu in 2022.

I mastered wrestling and judo to the extent I could,” she said. “However, understanding jiu-jitsu took me a bit more time.

The jump proved successful immediately. Alo won the IBJJF Blue Belt World Championship, received her purple belt, and started competing frequently—initially in the gi, later in no-gi following what she calls a fortunate incident.

When I discovered no-gi classes, I thought, what on earth? This is so enjoyable,” she said. “It felt like wrestling without the gi.

Her initial competition at the national level without a gi was against a name that has become closely associated with women’s grappling.

Surprisingly, my first nationals, my very first no-gi match was against Helena,’ Alo said. ‘I didn’t know much back then.

The gathering occurred three years back, when both were still wearing colored belts. Since that time, Crevar has risen to international recognition and appears to have been established as the new representative of ONE’s women’s grappling division, whereas Alo has been waiting—calmly—for her moment to shine.

This is it.

I excel when I’m the underdog,” she stated. “She’s incredible. I was already aware I would be the underdog entering this match since she has significantly more experience in the grappling scene.

The focus and examination on the fight—intensified by the weigh-in incident—has not affected her determination.

For the hydration test, I’m about 10 pounds lighter than my actual weight,” she mentioned from home. “I don’t lose weight for jiu-jitsu. I usually just compete as I am.

At most, Alo thinks the size disadvantage could work in her favor.

I genuinely perform better against larger opponents,” she stated. “In wrestling, that would be a disadvantage, but this is jiu-jitsu.

The match on Saturday morning also signifies her debut on the global ONE Championship platform – and may be a one-time event for the time being.

I believe it’s a single-fight agreement,” she stated. “So we’ll find out what the future brings.

For now, Alo is merely enjoying the experience. Her family has been with her in Bangkok, assisting her in adapting to the time zone and the magnitude of the event.

I’m drifting at the moment,” she remarked. “I’ve been keeping myself fully engaged, cherishing each part of this experience.

Either way, she intends to give it her all in the ring.

You all are about to witness a fast-paced, energetic, continuous attacking game,” Alo said. “I enjoy major challenges—and this is my most significant one so far.

In a competition currently shaped by differences in weight and debate, Alo remains faithful to her identity—bold, courageous, and seeking the surprise that would astonish the world of grappling.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).