NATALIA DIACHKOVA’S FLAWLESS RUN TO A STRAWWEIGHT MUAY THAI WORLD TITLE SHOT AGAINST SMILLA SUNDELL
Natalia “Karelian Lynx” Diachkova’s stunning run in the ONE Friday Fights event series has earned her the chance of a lifetime in the main event of ONE Fight Night 22 on Prime Video.
The Russian knockout artist will challenge Smilla “The Hurricane” Sundell for the ONE Women’s Strawweight Muay Thai World Title live in U.S. primetime on Friday, May 3, and given her current form, the defending queen can expect an incredibly difficult test.
After blitzing her way to a 4-0 record with three first-round finishes, Diachkova is confident that she can match Sundell’s firepower when they go toe-to-toe at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Before the pair trade leather, take a look at “Karelian Lynx’s” impeccable ONE resume that led to this shot at World Championship gold.
Demolition Of Dokmaipa
Diachkova started her run against Dokmaipa Fairtex at ONE Friday Fights 13 last April.
The Team Mehdi Zatout athlete took some time to find her feet in the first minute, but once an opportunity came to unload, she took it.
When Dokmaipa stepped in to attack, “Karelian Lynx” abruptly shut her off with a thudding right hand. Seeing the effect of her counter-punch, Diachkova then scored with another cross and a left hook that sent the Thai reeling to the ropes.
Now trapped, Dokmaipa had nowhere to go as Diachkova unleashed a volley of right crosses and left hooks. The Russian’s flurry put her foe down and out at 1:41 of the opening frame.
Knocks Out Nocker
Returning swiftly at ONE Friday Fights 19 in June, Diachkova looked to keep her momentum going against Lena Nocker.
Buoyed by her debut win, “Karelian Lynx” came out aggressively against the Italian, and again found her mark with a thudding right hand that put her opponent on the canvas.
Nocker bravely made it back to her feet, but a stiff jab-cross meant it wasn’t long before she was looking at the ceiling for the second time.
Knowing her rival was on her last legs, Diachkova waded forward with piston-like right hands that forced the referee to intervene and call off the fight via TKO after just 1:58.
All-Out War With Brady
Hannah Brady was tasked with stopping the Russian’s surge at ONE Friday Fights 32 in September.
Following the Brit’s own knockout debut, fans knew to expect a firefight – and that’s exactly what the strawweight sluggers delivered.
Brady used her forward pressure to flip the script on Diachkova, but the latter showcased the levels to her game with a slick back-foot performance.
Using footwork and head movement, “Karelian Lynx” fended off most of her aggressive rival’s biggest shots and used sharp counters to rack up points.
In round two, Diachkova unleashed a spinning backfist that wobbled Brady and got her a count from the referee.
Undeterred, the bloodied Brady continued to march forward, but Diachkova kept her cool and let rip with push kicks and punches to the body and head, ultimately taking the unanimous decision after three hard-fought rounds.
Another KO Seals Six-Figure Contract
Diachkova bagged her fourth ONE win and her third stoppage against Chellina Chirino at ONE Friday Fights 55 this past March.
The rangy Russian stabbed at her foe with a long jab to establish her range, forcing Chirino to take risks to get inside.
That was a mistake, as “Karelian Lynx” had concussive punches waiting for the Dutch-Curacaoan.
To get the finish, Diachkova flattened Chirino with a right hook that ended the match despite a valiant attempt to regain her feet.
“Karelian Lynx’s” impressive win earned her a six-figure contract to join ONE’s global roster – and set up her shot at Sundell on May 3.
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