Milana Bjelogrlic might have lost the fight against ONE Championship strawweight Muay Thai queen Smilla Sundell but she will have won herself a few fans. The Serbian did not stop coming forwards and took the fight to the Swedish champion.
It was not enough to secure Bjelogrlic the victory. Sundell was able to secure a decision win by consistently landing punches to the body and head as well as attacking with knees.
But it was notable that Bjelogrlic remained aggressive throughout the fight, even when her teenage opponent was clearly getting the better of the exchanges. In the aftermath the Serbian wrote that,
I know I could have performed better, but I’m proud of fighting and staying until the last shot.
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Super strong
Afterwards Sundell described Bjelogrlic as ‘super strong. With a background in body building it is no surprise that the Serbian has an impressive physique but it was her sheer will to win that caught the eye at Lumpinee Stadium last Friday.
Bjelogrlic kept on throwing haymakers in the hope that one shot might completely alter the course of the fight. That didn’t happen, but Sundell never looked completely comfortable on her kickboxing debut.
With Sundell being the reigning ONE Championship strawweight Muay Thai champion it was always going to be a very difficult fight for Bjelogrlic. She will be hoping to have done enough to earn a second opportunity to compete for the promotion in the famous stadium.
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Tourist mode
Bjelogrlic is based at Tiger Muay Thai in Phuket. But she appears to be in full on tourist mode as she asked her Instagram followers to suggest some places to visit in Bangkok.
It has been suggested that Sundell could be rewarded for her win with a shot at the strawweight kickboxing title. Jackie Buntan has made it clear that she would also like a crack at that belt.
Bjelogrlic won’t be awarded any title shots after her decision loss at ONE Friday Fights 18. But she should be handed a second chance and the Serbian will be hoping for a slightly more winnable matchup next time around.
