Smilla Sundell and Natalia Diachkova. Photo via Instagram (@diachkovalynx)
Natalia Diachkova is up for her biggest fight to date as she takes on ONE Championship strawweight champion Smilla Sundell.
The “Karelian Lynx” signed with the organization in 2023, and pulled off four straight victories – three by knockout– to get the fight against the young Swedish superstar.
“I am not scared. I am excited and happy,” Diachkova told ONE Championship about facing Sundell. “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.”
Even though the fight is for the ONE Championship title, the 29-year-old doesn’t see Sundell as her most difficult fight to date. In fact, she claimed that the Swede hasn’t faced the strongest opposition in the division yet.
Natalia Diachkova: “I see weaknesses in her style”
Sundell broke through in the international scene at age 17 when she won inaugural ONE women’s strawweight Muay Thai title.
Natalia Diachkova however, is not particularly impressed by the young fighter.
“Her age doesn’t really matter. I won the National Adult Championship when I was 16 years old. But mentally, she is still a child.”
The Russian claimed her strong clinch and devastating punching power are going to be the difference against Sundell.
“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 shorter.”