Sweden
Vilda Ekhorn talks MTFL, dreams, and Thailand: “Big opportunities over there”
Vilda Ekhorn. Photo: Chris Önnerby
Vilda Ekhorn is one of the brightest shining stars on the Scandinavian Muay Thai scene right now. After winning the IFMA world championship gold medal and getting her hand raised at MTFL and STHLM Fight Night, Ekhorn signed a two-year contract with a salary as well as a knockout bonus.
In an open-hearted interview with Frontkick, the young and hungry champion talks about her upcoming fights and ambition to break through on the biggest stages in the world.
“I’m so happy and grateful for my contract with MTFL,” Ekhorn says. “Patrick Thomsen said from the first time he saw me that he wanted me to fight on the MTFL and now I’m signed. It’s a big step in my career and every event will be an opportunity to showcase myself globally.”
Next up: Taking on a UK champion
MTFL is known for making great matchups with both Swedish and international fighters, and has good connections with the Muay Thai world on a global level as well as a major streaming platform in DAZN.
Next up for Ekhorn is UK Muay Thai Champion Mia Trevorrow. She has studied her opponent well and has a good idea what will come in the ring on March 31.
“Mia seems like a tough girl who won’t back down,” Ekhorn says. “I think it will be a fun fight between two tough girls, the crowd will love it.”
“She’s from the same gym as Amber Kitchen from ONE Championship. I’m glad she will watch the fight too. I’m stoked to make a name for myself on that stage.”
Mia Trevorrow and Vilda Ekhorn. Photo via Instagram (@mia_trevorrow) and (@vilda.oc)
Might not be in the National Team
As Vilda Ekhorn inked the deal with MTFL to fight on the promotion’s upcoming event she will not make it to this upcoming weekend’s Swedish Championships.
Even though a gold medal in the Championships qualifies an athlete to represent the National Team, the IMAF world champion still hopes to be able to represent Sweden in 2024.
“In a perfect world, I would love to mix the fights at MTFL with representing the National Team. I also want to fight at events outside of Sweden. But of course I’m so stoked about MTFL since they are the best in the region.”
Muay Thai For Life. Photo: Chris Önnerby
Vilda Ekhorn got a Käftsmällspodden scholarship
In October last year, Sweden’s leading fight podcast, Käftsmällspodden awarded the young Swedish fighter with a scholarship to go to Thailand to train with Swedish Muay Thai superstar and ONE Championship title holder Smilla Sundell.
Ekhorn is planning to fly down there to train at Fairtex with the likes of Swedish ONE Champion Smilla Sundell and Stamp Fairtex.
“This fall I want to use the scholarship and go to Fairtex in Thailand to represent them. That’s my goal, to finish my year in Thailand and fight at the big shows there,” Ekhorn says.
The Swede won her IMAF world title in Bangkok a year ago and knows what it takes to fight in Thailand.
“I will start with two months but my goal is to stay longer and just take fights. There’s big opportunities over there, especially at a gym like Fairtex.”
ONE Championship is on the horizon
As for goals, Vilda is clear with what’s driving her to become the best she can be. ONE Championship is the biggest stage for any Muay Thai fighter, both when it comes to money and fame. Everything the Swede does is a step on the way there, and hopefully she can land a fight in the promotion as soon as next year.
“My dream would be to go down to Thailand to train, get offered a fight in ONE and that my coach Peter would be able to fly me down and coach me. He’s with me in all my plans and I really hope that we can fight together in Thailand!”
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