“It’s Very Inspiring, Especially for Girls” Smilla Sundell Applauds One Championship for Promoting Women in Combat Sports

Smilla Sundell will be part of one of four blockbuster female fights at ONE Championship’s Fight Night event next month, and she is excited to continue doing what she does in the hopes of advancing combat sports for women.

At ONE Fight Night 14: Stamp vs. Ham on Friday, September 29th, “The Hurricane” will defend the ONE Women’s Strawweight Muay Thai World Championship for the first time against atomweight Muay Thai queen Allycia Hellen Rodrigues, who has stepped in to replace the original challenger, Jackie Buntan.

Smilla Sundell honored to be part of ONE Championship’s drive to promote women in combat sports

It will be the first time this year that female fighters are headlining an event in the world’s largest martial arts organization, but highlighting women in combat sports has always been a key part of the promotion’s events. In a recent interview with ONE, Sundell shared how much of an honor it is for her to be part of this movement.

“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,” she said. “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.”

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The Swedish striker claimed the inaugural belt at ONE 156 in April 2022, becoming the youngest World Champion in the promotion at 17 years old. In her last appearance, she took a step toward her dream of holding gold in another sport when she defeated Serbian veteran Milana Bjelogrlic in a kickboxing battle in May.

Sundell has a goal that extends beyond the ring

As one of the top female fighters in the promotion, the Fairtex product is embracing her role, and she wants to inspire other women to get involved in combat sports. “I want [girls watching] to see me as someone who shows if you work hard, you can achieve anything,” Sundell said.

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“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.”