Smilla Sundell: The Rising Star of Muay Thai
Smilla Sundell is a Swedish Muay Thai kickboxer who has quickly become one of the brightest stars in the sport. Born on November 12, 2004, Sundell made history by becoming the youngest person to ever win a world title in Muay Thai.1
Her journey to success is marked by a combination of skill, determination, and a passion for the art of Muay Thai. As a current ONE Championship fighter, she has gained a reputation for her aggressive style and powerful strikes. Here’s an in-depth look at Smilla Sundell’s career, her record-breaking achievements, and her impact on the world of Muay Thai.
Table of Contents
Early Life and Introduction to Muay Thai
Smilla Sundell grew up in Sweden and began her journey in Muay Thai at a young age. She quickly displayed a natural talent for the sport, and her dedication to training and improving her skills set her apart from her peers.
Sundell’s passion for Muay Thai led her to compete in various tournaments, where she gained valuable experience and honed her technique.
ONE Championship: A Platform for Success
Sundell’s career took a significant turn when she signed with ONE Championship, one of the premier mixed martial arts and Muay Thai promotions in the world.
Competing in the ONE Women’s Strawweight division, Sundell made an immediate impact with her aggressive fighting style and strong striking abilities. Her speed, agility, and precision made her a formidable opponent, earning her recognition among Muay Thai enthusiasts.
Making History: Youngest World Champion in Muay Thai
- On April 22, 2022, Smilla Sundell achieved a historic milestone by defeating Jackie Buntan to win the inaugural ONE Women’s Strawweight Muay Thai World Championship.
- At just 17 years and 5 months old, Sundell became the youngest person to ever win a world title in Muay Thai. This achievement not only cemented her place in the record books but also showcased her exceptional skills and potential for greatness.
- Sundell’s victory over Buntan was a testament to her relentless drive and commitment to the sport.
- Her aggressive approach and ability to adapt to different fighting styles allowed her to overcome her opponents and capture the world title.
- The win marked the beginning of a promising career and established her as a rising star in the world of Muay Thai.
Smilla Sundell’s Muay Thai Career: A Trailblazing Journey to ONE Championship
Smilla Sundell’s Muay Thai career has been marked by a series of notable achievements and significant victories that have propelled her to the forefront of the sport.2
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From being ranked the number one female featherweight Muay Thai practitioner in the world at the age of 16 to signing with ONE Championship, her journey has been one of determination and success. Here’s an overview of Sundell’s career, highlighting her key victories and her debut in ONE Championship.
Early Career and Notable Victories
- Smilla Sundell’s rise to prominence in the world of Muay Thai began at a young age. In early 2021, when she was just 16 years old, she was ranked the number one female featherweight (57.153 kg) Muay Thai practitioner in the world by the WBC Muaythai.
- This recognition was a testament to her skill and dedication to the sport, as she competed against some of the best Muay Thai fighters in the world.
- Throughout her career, Sundell has achieved notable victories over highly regarded opponents. She defeated Sawsing Sor Sopit, a decorated champion with a wealth of experience in Muay Thai.
- She also claimed wins over Ponpan Por.Muengpetch, a formidable fighter in her own right, and Bongsak Sitpholek, a male fighter, showcasing her versatility and ability to compete against a variety of opponents.
Signing with ONE Championship
After amassing a record of 31 wins, 5 losses, and 1 draw, Smilla Sundell signed with ONE Championship in 2021. Her move to ONE Championship represented a significant step in her career, as she joined one of the premier promotions for mixed martial arts and Muay Thai.
This transition provided her with a platform to showcase her skills on a global stage and compete against some of the best fighters in the world.
ONE Championship Debut
Smilla Sundell made her ONE Championship debut at ONE: Full Circle on February 25, 2022. In this event, she faced Australia’s Diandra Martin, an experienced fighter with a solid reputation.
Sundell’s debut was notable not only for the quality of her opponent but also because it was her first fight in four-ounce MMA gloves, which are smaller than the usual gloves used in Muay Thai.
Smilla Sundell Looking to Display Evolving Game at ONE Fight Night 22
Smilla Sundell, the young Swedish Muay Thai phenom, is preparing to defend her ONE Women’s Strawweight Muay Thai World Title at ONE Fight Night 22 on May 3 in Thailand.3
Her opponent, Natalia Diachkova of Russia, is a formidable contender, making Sundell’s defense even more critical. As always, Sundell is committed to evolving her game and showcasing new techniques and strategies in the ring.
Continuous Improvement and Evolving Game
Sundell’s approach to Muay Thai is centered around continuous improvement. Despite her young age, she has consistently demonstrated a mature and disciplined approach to training and competition.
She strives to keep her game fresh and evolving, ensuring that she remains unpredictable and difficult to counter. This commitment to growth has been a key factor in her success, allowing her to remain a dominant force in the division.
First they fight 👊💥 then they hug 🙏❤️
Smilla Sundell and Diandra Martin put on a great performance at ONE: FULL CIRCLE!#ONEFullCircle #WeAreONE #ONEChampionship pic.twitter.com/pKFXC9muax— ONE Championship (@ONEChampionship) February 26, 2022
ONE Fight Night 22: A Critical Defense
ONE Fight Night 22 represents a significant challenge for Sundell. As the reigning champion, she is the target of every contender in the division, and Natalia Diachkova is a tough opponent with her own unique skill set. Sundell knows that she must bring her best game to the ring, and she’s been working hard to prepare for the upcoming fight.
Striving to Evolve as a Fighter
- Smilla Sundell’s commitment to evolving as a fighter is driven by her desire to stay ahead of the competition.
- She understands that in the world of Muay Thai, staying stagnant is not an option. The sport is constantly evolving, with fighters developing new techniques and strategies to gain an advantage.
- Sundell’s goal is to stay one step ahead by continuously improving her skills and incorporating new elements into her game.
- In her upcoming fight against Diachkova, Sundell plans to showcase the results of her hard work and dedication.
- She has been refining her combinations, improving her clinch work, and working on her defense to ensure she’s ready for whatever her opponent brings to the ring.
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The Event and its Significance
ONE Fight Night 22 is a major event for ONE Championship, featuring top-level Muay Thai fighters competing at one of the most famous venues in the sport. Lumpinee Boxing Stadium has a rich history in Muay Thai, and it’s a fitting location for a title defense. The event is part of ONE Championship’s commitment to bringing world-class martial arts to a global audience.
Fans in the United States and Canada can watch the action live and free on Amazon Prime Video on Friday, May 3rd, during U.S. primetime. This accessibility allows a broader audience to witness the high-stakes competition and showcases the growing popularity of Muay Thai in North America.
Smilla Sundell’s Title Defense
Smilla Sundell, known as ‘The Hurricane,’ is coming into this fight as the reigning ONE Women’s Strawweight Muay Thai World Champion. Her aggressive style and powerful strikes have made her a dominant force in the division. Sundell’s record-breaking achievements and successful title defenses have solidified her position as one of the top female Muay Thai fighters in the world.
As she prepares to defend her title, Sundell is focused on maintaining her momentum and continuing to evolve as a fighter. Her commitment to improving her skills and adapting to different opponents has been a key factor in her success.
Natalia Diachkova: A Formidable Opponent
‘Karelian Lynx’ Natalia Diachkova is a formidable challenger for the title. Known for her technical skills and relentless fighting style, Diachkova has earned her shot at the championship through a series of impressive performances. This matchup promises to be an exciting and intense battle, with both fighters bringing their best to the ring.
The Anticipation and Excitement
ONE Fight Night 22 is expected to draw significant attention, with fans eagerly anticipating the title fight between Sundell and Diachkova. The matchup represents a clash of styles and a test of skill, with the championship on the line. Both fighters are known for their striking abilities, and the fight is likely to be action-packed from start to finish.
Smilla Sundell’s New Opponent for Her First World Title Defense
Smilla Sundell, the reigning ONE Women’s Strawweight Muay Thai World Champion, will defend her title against a new opponent at ONE Fight Night 14: Stamp vs. Ham on Friday, September 29th. The event is set to take place at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, promising an action-packed night of Muay Thai and mixed martial arts.
A New Challenger: Allycia Hellen Rodrigues
Sundell’s original opponent, Natalia Diachkova, was replaced by Atomweight Muay Thai queen Allycia Hellen Rodrigues, who stepped in to challenge the Swedish teenage sensation.
Rodrigues is a formidable fighter known for her striking skills and aggressive style. As a reigning champion herself, she brings a wealth of experience and a winning mentality to the ring.
Smilla Sundell’s Historic Journey
Smilla Sundell made history by becoming the youngest-ever ONE World Champion at ONE 156 in April 2022. She achieved this milestone at the age of 18 by defeating Jackie Buntan to claim the inaugural ONE Women’s Strawweight Muay Thai World Championship.
Sundell’s victory was marked by her incredible skill, dominance, and strategic approach to the fight.
Allycia Hellen Rodrigues: A Worthy Opponent
Allycia Hellen Rodrigues, the current Atomweight Muay Thai World Champion, is no stranger to high-stakes competition. She has demonstrated her prowess in the ring, capturing the Atomweight Muay Thai title in her debut with ONE Championship in 2020. Rodrigues’s ability to adjust to different fighting styles and her striking accuracy make her a formidable opponent for Sundell.
Stepping up in weight class to challenge Sundell, Rodrigues’s courage and confidence are evident. Her move to the strawweight division for this fight demonstrates her ambition to become a two-division champion and solidify her place among the best in Muay Thai.
FAQ’S
1. Who is Smilla Sundell?
Ans: Smilla Sundell is a professional Muay Thai fighter and kickboxer from Sweden. She is known for her aggressive fighting style and high level of skill, competing in ONE Championship, one of Asia’s premier combat sports organizations. Sundell quickly gained recognition for her impressive performances in the ring.
2. How old is Smilla Sundell?
Ans: Smilla Sundell was born on May 17, 2005, making her 19 years old as of 2024. Despite her young age, she has achieved considerable success in Muay Thai, competing at a high level and earning respect within the combat sports community.
3. What is Smilla Sundell’s career background?
Ans: Smilla Sundell started training in Muay Thai at a young age, developing a reputation for her technical skills and fearless approach to fighting.
She became one of the youngest fighters in ONE Championship, capturing the attention of fans with her aggressive style and determination. Sundell has faced some of the best competitors in her division, showcasing her talent on a global stage.
4. What is known about Smilla Sundell’s personal life?
Ans: Smilla Sundell keeps her personal life relatively private. She was born and raised in Sweden and later moved to Thailand to pursue her career in Muay Thai. Her passion for the sport is evident in her performances, and she focuses on developing her skills and competing at the highest level.
5. What are Smilla Sundell’s notable achievements in Muay Thai?
Ans: Smilla Sundell has achieved several significant milestones in her Muay Thai career. In ONE Championship, she became the inaugural ONE Women’s Strawweight Muay Thai World Champion. Her rapid rise and impressive performances have positioned her as a rising star in the sport, with the potential for more achievements in the future.
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