Discover the unexpected twists at ONE Fight Night 22 as former champion Smilla Sundell faces Natalia Diachkova. Read about the weight controversy, the thrilling fight, and the potential new weight class in ONE Championship.
| Fighters | Outcome | Round | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smilla Sundell | Win (TKO) | 2 | Body Shot |
| Natalia Diachkova | Loss | 2 | TKO |
Former ONE women’s strawweight Muay Thai world champion Smilla Sundell had an eventful weekend at ONE Fight Night 22. Sundell, only 19 years old, faced former IFMA and WMC Muay Thai world champion Natalia Diachkova in a highly anticipated bout. However, things took an unexpected turn when Sundell missed weight significantly, resulting in her forfeiture of the world title. Despite this setback, Sundell was still permitted to fight Diachkova, who had made weight and was prepared for the match.
The fight began with Diachkova showcasing her superior boxing skills, putting Sundell on the defensive. However, in a dramatic twist during the closing moments of the second round, Sundell managed to reverse the tide with a well-executed body shot, securing a TKO victory.
In her post-fight interview, Sundell reflected on her weight miss and the comeback win, stating, "I don’t know if it impacted my performance. Maybe it did. But I just went in there to do my job. Yeah, I did."
The incident raised discussions within ONE Championship regarding the potential creation of a new women’s Muay Thai weight class. CEO Chatri Sityodtong acknowledged the ongoing consideration of this matter, hinting at a possible development in response to Sundell’s weight-related issues.
Sundell herself has hinted at a move to a higher weight division in previous interviews, suggesting that her young age may necessitate a shift to a more suitable weight class as her body continues to mature.
For fans who missed the action, the replay of ONE Fight Night 22 is now accessible on demand for Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada.
