ONE Fight Night 14 will bring four incredible women’s bouts to the top of the card when ONE Championship returns to Prime Video on Friday, September 29. One important part of the marquee event is teenage sensation Smilla Sundell. The Swedish star will defend the ONE Women’s Strawweight Muay Thai World Championship against Allycia Hellen Rodrigues.
Sundell is honored to be one of four women’s bouts leading the card. Her matchup against the ONE Women’s Atomweight Muay Thai World Champion will help anchor the card as the co-main event. The strawweight queen is already seeing the impact in her messages.
“I think it’s very cool of ONE Championship for doing it. It’s very inspiring, especially for girls, to see that we are doing it so they can also do it. People are starting to see the excitement the female fights bring now. I get messages on Instagram and everywhere saying, ‘Oh, wow, these female fighters are so good,’ and it’s very exciting,” Sundell told ONE.
Sundell captured the strawweight crown when she was just 17 years old. However, she is wise beyond her eyes. Now, 18, Sundell wants to be an idol for the next crop of girls who want to make their way into martial arts.
“I want [girls watching] to see me as someone that shows if you work hard, you can achieve anything. I feel more confident now. I feel like a stronger person. I’m still very shy out in public and everywhere else, but now, it’s a lot better because of Muay Thai,” Sundell expressed.
The Swedish talent offered up advice for those seeking to step foot into a gym for the first time. Sundell suggested they go with a friend or family member to try out Muay Thai. The suggestion is to make sure they are comfortable and not feeling alone. She also does not want them to give up just because it’s difficult.
“You’ve just got to do it. Just try it, and if it’s not for you, then that’s okay. You’ve really got to give it more than an hour or two. Don’t be discouraged even after an hour’s session because maybe you just had a bad session. I think if you don’t like that place, find another place. Maybe you could enjoy it better at the right place,” the ONE Women’s Strawweight Muay Thai World Champion said.
Already an inspiration to those around her, Sundell has seen her impact on those closest to her. That is how she knows she can grow her impact as a World Champion on a global platform. She wants those who look up to her to become stronger physically and mentally by taking up martial arts.
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“I’ve seen people in my circle of friends, and even in my family, who are trying it out now. They have grown to like it, too. They think it’s very fun and makes them feel fit and feel good about themselves. I think by doing Muay Thai, you will be more confident, and you will feel fitter and healthier. It’s really good training for someone because you move your whole body. It will help you feel good about yourself,” Sundell said.
ONE Fight Night 14: Stamp vs. Ham airs live on Prime Video on Friday, September 29. The action begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. The event is free for all Amazon Prime subscribers based in the U.S. and Canada.
