LAS VEGAS – Smilla Sundell is both experienced and a novice. She's young in the game and a veteran at the same time.
Despite being only 21 and 3-0 in professional MMA, Sundell (3-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC) revealed following her Dana White's Contender Series 96 win Tuesday that she's had over 40 pro muay Thai fights.
"That's why I can get hit like I did today and still keep going," Sundell told MMA Junkie and other reporters at a post-fight news conference at Meta APEX.
Sundell earned a UFC contract for her unanimous decision victory over Aline Pereira, sister of UFC star Alex Pereira. The performance was good in the eyes of UFC CEO Dana White, but he wasn't convinced the time was now for Sundell to join the UFC. However, that's when UFC matchmaker Mick Maynard, who is in charge of the women's divisions, stepped in and overruled him.
"I was scared," Sundell said as she recalled what was going through her mind as White gave his analysis after the event. "But I believe everything happens for a reason. I'm really happy that worked out."
Sundell enters the promotion as perhaps the most inexperienced fighter, in terms of cage time, on the roster. She knows she has a lot to learn. Though her striking resume is prodigious, she remains grounded and humble, working in the trenches on her grappling game.
"I'm really happy to be in the UFC, but maybe my performance wasn't what was the plan," Sundell said. "But it's all good. I'm 21 years old. I have time to learn, and I know I can do it in the UFC. ... I think I need to ease my way into the rankings. I don't have as many fights as everyone else. But I know I can be there, and I am going to be there one day."
"... The ground game, I'm working on it every day. Some days, I even do jiu-jitsu tournaments just to catch up to everyone. I'm 21. I will get up there. I know it."
While she embraces the spotlight on every performance, Sundell admits she was a bit starstruck by her opponent's corner. She took a picture with "Poatan" during fight week and also interacted with Glover Teixeira.
When it comes to a dream fight, however, there's only one matchup that matters – and it doesn't involve a specific person.
"One day, the one who is the champ," Sundell said with a smile.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Smilla Sundell plans to take her time despite UFC signing: 'I need to ease my way'