“Her Rivals Were So Small” – Natalia Diachkova Warns Smilla Sundell of the Dangers at ONE Fight Night 22

Natalia Diachkova is heading to her U.S. primetime debut in ONE Championship full of confidence that she will leave with gold draped on her shoulder.

The Russian striker challenges teenage sensation Smilla “The Hurricane” Sundell for the ONE Women’s Strawweight Muay Thai World Title in the main event of ONE Fight Night 22: Sundell vs. Diachkova inside the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday, May 3, and she’s facing a significant battle.

Natalia Diachkova seems to be unfazed by Smilla Sundell

Smilla Sundell has been perfect in her four fights in ONE, with her imposing physical build and well-rounded skill set helping her dominate every foe she has faced.

However, Diachkova is unfazed by “The Hurricane,” and she is eager to push her like no one has before.

“I am not scared. I am excited and happy. All I want is to get into the ring with her to see what is so interesting about her and what everyone is talking about,” she said.  

“She hasn’t faced the strongest opposition in the division. Her rivals were so small. I think I am the most serious opponent for Smilla so far.” 

“I don’t think [she will be my most difficult fight]. I think there are stronger girls out there.” 

Sundell became ONE’s youngest World Champion when she defeated Filipina-American fighter Jackie Buntan to claim the inaugural women’s strawweight Muay Thai belt at ONE 156 in April 2022, and at just 19 years old, she already has 35 wins to her name.

Sundell might act as a better opponent for Diachkova

Diachkova should be a solid opponent for the Swede, though, as she also achieved great feats in her younger years.

The 29-year-old striker, who remains unbeaten through four ONE Championship outings, believes Sundell’s game is filled with holes she can exploit when they square off on Friday.

“Her age doesn’t really matter. I won the [Russian] National Adult Championship when I was 16 years old. But mentally, she is still a child,” Diachkova said.

“She just uses her hands to get what she wants. I’ve seen everyone afraid of her, but I’m not afraid of her. I see weaknesses in her style.  

“She doesn’t know how to use her long limbs. It will be a problem for her when she fights me because her previous opponents were [a lot] shorter. This is an important factor in a fight if you don’t have enough experience and understanding of how to work it.”