Jackie Buntan brings more than her championship belt into her upcoming rematch. She carries the memory of two initial-round knockdowns and a revised strategy to guarantee they are not repeated.
The ONE Women’s Strawweight Kickboxing World Champion is set to defend her title against Stella Hemetsberger at ONE Fight Night 40, scheduled for Friday, February 13, within Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Their previous encounter in September at ONE Fight Night 35 concluded with Hemetsberger claiming the vacant ONE Women’s Strawweight Muay Thai World Title. The competitor from Austria knocked Buntan to the canvas twice in the opening round with swift counter-strikes that decisively altered the contest’s trajectory. Hemetsberger ultimately secured a unanimous decision victory over the Filipino-American, despite enduring significant punishment in the middle rounds.
The stakes have now reversed. Buntan holds the kickboxing title, which she secured by decisively defeating Anissa Meksen over five rounds at ONE 169 last November. The 28-year-old athlete from California boasts a 27-7 professional record as she approaches this defense. Furthermore, under the guidance of Bryan Popejoy and legendary retired ONE Championship figure Janet Todd, she has accumulated triumphs over formidable strikers.
Hemetsberger made her way through the ONE Friday Fights series, transforming that opportunity into a championship. Her professional record of 9-1 includes her September triumph over Buntan. A second victory would propel her into an exclusive group, as only two female athletes have ever won world titles in multiple disciplines under the ONE Championship banner.
“Stepping into this bout as the current Kickboxing World Champion, achieving a World Championship is one thing, but defending it and remaining at the pinnacle signifies much more,” she stated. “For me, every time I enter the ring, the accumulation of belts isn’t the primary goal. It’s about striving for excellence and delivering an improved performance each time.”
Jackie Buntan identifies composure as the crucial distinction
That night, Buntan gained profound insights into her own capabilities. The knockdowns demonstrated her capacity to absorb blows and continue fighting. Her resilience proved strong. Her spirit never wavered. She rose twice and fought through five rounds, embodying the tenacity that defines her as a competitor.
This revelation has profoundly reshaped her training regimen. The 28-year-old now understands the paramount importance of sustained aggression in a prolonged battle. Applying consistent forward pressure presented challenges for Hemetsberger. However, a lack of patience proved costly in critical moments. Those hurried exchanges, where Buntan sought powerful strikes instead of carefully setting them up, allowed the Austrian to land effective counters.
“That particular defeat, especially given its circumstances—being knocked down twice in the opening round yet persevering and dominating rounds two through five—I believe truly encapsulates who I am as a fighter, as an athlete,” she remarked. “There is no surrender within me. My heart refuses to yield. I am committed until that final bell rings. If I were to alter anything from that previous fight, I would exercise greater patience.”
The rules of kickboxing fundamentally alter the rhythm and spatial dynamics of the fight. Buntan now possesses a clear understanding of Hemetsberger’s approach. Her kicks remain her most potent weapon. However, the Boxing Works practitioner has identified vulnerabilities in both her opponent’s punching and kicking techniques, creating potential openings. Mobility offers Buntan significant advantages. She can more effectively control the ring space, whether retreating, circling, or advancing.
“I envision myself systematically dismantling her from the very first round, causing her to doubt her abilities, her strategic approach, and her overall game plan, and then maintaining control from that point onward,” she declared. “I know precisely how to defeat her. I simply wasn’t able to execute that plan flawlessly last time. This isn’t driven by emotion. It’s simply a recognition that I am better than that, and it is now time to demonstrate it. Securing this victory is paramount for my legacy.”
