Smilla Sundell is gearing up for her inaugural World Title defense in the ONE Women’s Strawweight Muay Thai division, and she’s not underestimating the threat posed by her upcoming opponent.

As she prepares to face Allycia Hellen Rodrigues at ONE Fight Night 14: Stamp vs Ham on Friday, September 29, Sundell acknowledges the formidable challenge ahead. Rodrigues aims to become a two-division World Champion, and Sundell recognizes the potential danger.

Smilla Sundell open up on her future opponent Allycia Hellen Rodrigues

Undefeated in her first three fights within the world’s largest martial arts organization, Sundell stands among the elite in women’s striking. She acknowledges Rodrigues’ versatility and Thai-style fighting, making her one of Sundell’s toughest opponents to date. Originally slated for a rematch against Jackie Buntan, whom she defeated for the inaugural title in April of the previous year, Sundell had to adapt to a late change in opponents when Buntan withdrew due to family issues.

However, Sundell believes her preparation won’t change significantly, as her physical advantages match up well against Rodrigues. “She shares a similar height with Jackie, so my approach should be quite similar. I have the height and reach advantage, and I intend to use that,” Sundell explained.Rodrigues, although having only two fights in ONE thus far, secured two World Title victories.

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Her first match in August 2020 saw her capture the ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Championship from Sundell’s teammate, Thai superstar Stamp Fairtex. Rodrigues briefly stepped away from competition as she embraced motherhood but returned to unify the division’s top prize by defeating interim titleholder Janet Todd at ONE Fight Night 8 in March.

Sundell is expecting a tough matchup from the Brazilian 

Sundell recognizes the depth of talent in her upcoming opponent and anticipates a challenging battle to maintain her position at the pinnacle of the women’s strawweight Muay Thai division. Nevertheless, she is prepared for an intense showdown with the determined Brazilian fighter.

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“I expect a tough match because she’s an aggressive fighter who won’t back down. She has a big heart and won’t shy away from a battle. So, it’s possible that this fight could go the distance,” explained the 18-year-old Sundell.