‘I Don’t Think Anything In Life Compares To This’ – Smilla Sundell Reflects On Historic World Title Win
Smilla Sundell entered the record books on Friday when she became the youngest World Champion in ONE history.
The 17-year-old Swedish striker outlasted Jackie Buntan to earn a unanimous decision win in their thrilling co-main event battle for the inaugural ONE Women’s Strawweight Muay Thai World Title at ONE 156: Eersel vs. Sadikovic.
“The Hurricane’s” relentless forward pressure earned her the nod after five rounds at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, but even now, the Fairtex phenom is still coming to terms with her achievement.
Speaking after her victory, she said:
“It was great [when they announced me as the winner]. I couldn’t believe it. I still haven’t got it yet, I think. I’m still shocked.
“I don’t think anything in life compares to this. I love the belt. It’s so good. It’s heavy and very beautiful.”
Now based in Pattaya, Thailand, Sundell worked alongside the likes of Thai superstars Stamp Fairtex and Rodtang Jitmuangnon in the lead-up to Friday’s contest.
Spurred on by their advice, the Swede put on a fierce display of offensive Muay Thai that impressed fans watching around the world.
But while she now reigns over the women’s strawweight Muay Thai division, Sundell believes she has some areas to work on if she wants to keep the gold in her possession.
She said:
“[When Stamp called me on the day of the fight] she said, ‘Bring this belt back home and do your thing.’
“I was happy with my performance, but there is a lot to improve on. I think my jab was good. [Between the rounds] I was telling myself to do better the next round because I started off slow. I feel like I wasn’t warm enough, but in the third round, I came back better, I think.”
What’s Next For Smilla Sundell?
In just a few months, Smilla Sundell has gone from a ONE Championship newcomer to a World Champion.
And after a pair of dominant victories – including her debut in February – The Hurricane” wants to get back inside the Circle and continue her rampage through the women’s strawweight Muay Thai division.
The newly crowned queen is willing to battle any challengers to her throne, but she’s also eyeing a move into ONE’s kickboxing ranks.
Sundell said:
“I saw that Iman Barlow did good in her last fight. I think that would be a fun matchup, but I’d fight anyone.
“For sure, I want to fight kickboxing as well. Why not? I think another World Title would be nice.”
It’s clear “The Hurricane” has big plans in the organization, but first, a little celebration is in order.
And after earning a US$50,000 performance bonus from ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong on Friday, the Swedish teenager plans to grab a couple of her favorite foods before she gets back into the gym.
Sundell added:
“I was so happy, [to get the bonus]. I didn’t know what to say. I’m so thankful. Thank you, Chatri.
“To celebrate I’m going to McDonald’s to have chicken nuggets. I’m going to buy my sister some cereal – Lucky Charms – because they don’t seem to have them in Sweden!”
