"She will become champion" - Anatoly Malykhin praises "dangerous" Natalia Diachkova ahead of Smilla Sundell battle
Reigning and undisputed ONE heavyweight, light heavyweight and middleweight MMA world champion 'Sladkiy' Anatoly Malykhin will always get behind his Russian countrymen, and next month will be no different.
Malykhin will be openly rooting for Russian Muay Thai stalwart Natalia Diachkova when she guns for ONE Championship gold. And the undefeated triple-champ says she can become a world champion.
Speaking to ONE Championship in a recent interview, Malykhin talked about Diachkova's chances against 19-year-old strawweight Muay Thai queen Smilla Sundell.
'Sladkiy' said:
"Diachkova is a very dangerous fighter, she punches well, she is physically very strong and is mentally charged. My wife [Anita] follows her closely and predicts that she will become champion."
Natalia Diachkova or Russia will challenge reigning and undisputed ONE women's strawweight Muay Thai world champion 'The Hurricane' Smilla Sundell for the world title in the main event of ONE Fight Night 22: Sundell vs. Diachkova on Prime Video.
The event broadcasts live from the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Anatoly Malykhin says Smilla Sundell will motivate Natalia Diachkova to be at her best: "She will face a strong opponent"
Undefeated Russian MMA sensation 'Sladkiy' Anatoly Malykhin believes that Natalia Diachkova's latest test will force the best out of her.
Diachkova is taking on Swedish superstar Smilla Sundell in the biggest fight of her career, and Malykhin says she is going to put on an epic performance.
Malykhin told ONE Championship:
"The next fight will be a good test for [Natalia Diachkova]. She will face a strong opponent in Smilla Sundell. We will be there with cheers and prayers."
Like always, Malykhin is expected to be ringside for this event, pulling for his Russian countrywoman.
Fans in the United States and Canada can catch all the action of ONE Fight Night 22: Sundell vs. Diachkova live and absolutely free on U.S. primetime on May 3rd, via an active Amazon Prime Video subscription.