Swedish Muay Thai champion Smilla Sundell is preparing to re-enter the ring following an eight-month hiatus due to a series of fight cancellations. Sundell, the reigning titleholder in the strawweight division, is slated to defend her championship for the second time when she faces Natalya Diachkova at ONE Fight Night 22 next month.
The past year has been a source of frustration for Sundell, as she experienced numerous potential fights falling through. A highly anticipated match with English fighter Iman Barlow was cancelled after Barlow announced her retirement. Additionally, a title bout with Jackie Buntan was unexpectedly called off in 2023.
Despite these setbacks, Sundell remains optimistic and is eager to return to competition. She has expressed her excitement about getting back into the ring and looks forward to the challenge of facing off against Diachkova, who has an impressive record in the ONE Lumpinee series.
As she prepares for her upcoming fight, Sundell has been focusing on refining her skills, particularly honing her boxing technique. During a recent trip to Bangkok, she seized the opportunity to spar with renowned Muay Thai fighter Tawanchai PK Saenchaigym, who shared valuable insights and techniques with her.
Looking ahead, Sundell has identified potential future opponents, including Ekaterina Vandaryeva, Martyna Kierczyńska, and the possibility of a rematch with Jackie Buntan. The young champion is determined to continue making her mark in the strawweight division and remains fully dedicated to her training and development as a fighter.
Sundell’s resilience and unwavering dedication to her sport is evident, and she is optimistic about the future of her career in ONE Championship. Her upcoming fight with Diachkova presents an opportunity for her to reaffirm her status as a dominant force in the strawweight division and to showcase the skills that have earned her the title.
As anticipation grows for Sundell’s return to the ring, fans and fellow fighters alike will be closely monitoring her performance to see if she can maintain her impressive winning streak and solidify her status as one of the most formidable competitors in the world of Muay Thai.
With a renewed sense of determination and a clear focus on her goals, Sundell is poised to make a triumphant comeback and continue her reign as the strawweight champion in ONE Championship.