Jackie Buntan’s championship win at ONE 169 marks the beginning of a new era in women’s kickboxing. Her performance inspired thousands and reminded the world that the heart of a fighter knows no bounds
As the first-ever ONE Women’s Strawweight Kickboxing World Champion, Buntan now stands as a beacon of excellence in the sport — a champion not just by title, but by spirit.
Jackie Buntan’s victory at ONE Fight Night 20 reinforces her trajectory as one of the sport’s most promising stars.
Her blend of discipline, technique, and heart continues to make her a must-watch athlete.
With her striking abilities, mental toughness, and commitment to constant improvement, she remains one of the most compelling figures in women’s Muay Thai.
As she continues to climb the ranks, fans can expect more thrilling performances from a fighter who always leaves it all in the ring.
Also Read:Â Jackie Buntan’s Legacy: Strawweight Kickboxing Queen is Chasing Greatness in Muay Thai
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Jackie Buntan Rises to the Occasion in a Gritty Muay Thai Clash
When Jackie Buntan entered the ring at Lumpinee Stadium in March 2024, she wasn’t just fighting for a win—she was fighting to prove her place among the world’s elite in Muay Thai.1
Matched against Italy’s Martine Michieletto in a 130-pound catchweight bout at ONE Fight Night 20, Buntan showcased resilience, adaptability, and pure fighting spirit in a tightly contested battle that ended with a unanimous decision victory.
A Night at the Iconic Lumpinee Stadium
The setting couldn’t have been more legendary. Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, is considered the spiritual home of Muay Thai.
For Buntan, a Filipina-American striker representing the U.S., it was a chance to showcase her skills on hallowed ground.
The fight was part of ONE Championship’s ongoing effort to promote Muay Thai globally, bringing together top talent from all corners of the world.
Fighting under the bright lights of Lumpinee added historical weight to an already significant matchup, and Buntan rose to the moment with poise and purpose.
A Tactical Opening Round
Right from the opening bell, Buntan employed a calculated strategy. Known for her sharp boxing and technical precision, she leaned heavily on her lead left hook and combinations to set the tone.
Her footwork was crisp, allowing her to close the distance quickly and land clean punches before exiting danger.
Michieletto, a seasoned European striker with kickboxing and Muay Thai experience, struggled early to find her rhythm.
Buntan’s ability to mix her attacks and control the pace of the round made it difficult for the Italian to mount any meaningful offense.
Michieletto Flips the Script in Round Two
After a difficult first round, Michieletto came out with a renewed sense of urgency in the second. She began pressing forward with aggression, using her height and reach to apply pressure and push Buntan against the ropes.
One of the defining moments of the round was when Michieletto landed a clean left hand that caught Buntan’s attention and briefly shifted the momentum.
Buntan, though momentarily stunned, remained composed. She absorbed the pressure while attempting to maintain her guard and look for counter opportunities.
Michieletto’s forward march forced Buntan to make quick decisions, and although the round was tighter, it showcased the Italian’s ability to adapt mid-fight.
Jackie Buntan’s Masterful Adaptation
In the third and final round, Buntan made the necessary adjustments. Instead of trying to match Michieletto’s aggression head-on, she began to utilize movement and timing.2
By settling into a rhythm on the back foot, Buntan cleverly used Michieletto’s forward pressure against her, countering with pinpoint strikes.
This was where Buntan’s fight IQ truly shined. Her ability to read her opponent and change tactics proved crucial.
She repeatedly intercepted Michieletto’s advances with sharp counters, especially with the right hand and left hook combination.
It was a calculated and intelligent approach that neutralized Michieletto’s aggression and solidified Buntan’s edge heading into the final bell.
A Look Back at Buntan’s Journey
Born in California to Filipino parents, Jackie Buntan has been training in Muay Thai since her early teens.
She trains out of Boxing Works in California under Bryan Popejoy and has long been recognized for her crisp, Western-style boxing combined with traditional Muay Thai techniques.
Buntan made her promotional debut in ONE Championship in 2021 and quickly gained recognition for her technical prowess and discipline.
Over the years, she has built a reputation for engaging in highly competitive fights, often against some of the most respected names in women’s Muay Thai.
Her ability to remain calm under fire and adjust to a changing fight dynamic reflects the evolution of a fighter maturing into her prime. This fight wasn’t just about technique—it was about mindset, poise, and the will to win.
Judges Reward Jackie Buntan’s Composure and Precision
After three intense rounds, all three judges scored the contest in favor of Buntan.3
While Michieletto had her moments, especially in the second round, Buntan’s consistency, cleaner strikes, and ring generalship earned her the unanimous decision victory.
This win pushed Buntan one step closer to title contention and reaffirmed her status as one of the most technically proficient strikers in the division. More than that, it demonstrated her grit and ability to overcome adversity in the heat of battle.
Jackie Buntan’s victory over Martine Michieletto was more than just a notch in the win column—it was a testament to her growth as a martial artist. Since joining ONE Championship, she has steadily developed from a prospect into a world-class competitor.
Known for her striking acumen, Buntan has honed her defense, footwork, and adaptability, as evidenced by her performance in Bangkok.
The Growing Presence of Women’s Muay Thai
- This matchup also highlighted the continued rise of women’s Muay Thai on the global stage.
- ONE Championship has played a vital role in providing opportunities for female fighters to headline cards and perform in front of international audiences.
- Both Buntan and Michieletto showcased high-level skill and conditioning, helping to further elevate the reputation of women’s Muay Thai.
- Their clash at Lumpinee was not only entertaining—it was symbolic of the new era of inclusivity and talent development in combat sports.
- With this victory, Buntan is well-positioned for a major fight in the near future.
- She has expressed her desire to compete for ONE gold, and with her continued improvements and competitive performances, that opportunity may be just around the corner.
- A potential rematch with Smilla Sundell, who previously defeated Buntan in a battle for the inaugural ONE Women’s Strawweight Muay Thai World Title, could be on the horizon.
- Given Buntan’s recent form, a second meeting would be highly anticipated by fans and analysts alike.
- The Buntan vs. Michieletto bout may not have ended in a knockout, but it was the type of high-level, technical display that true Muay Thai fans appreciate.
- It had everything: momentum shifts, strategy, grit, and world-class execution. It’s the kind of fight that adds to a fighter’s legacy and stays in the minds of viewers long after the final bell.
Also Read:Â Jackie Buntan Reveals Why Takeru Segawa is Finding His New Home at Boxing Works
Jackie Buntan Makes History
Crowned the First-Ever ONE Women’s Strawweight Kickboxing Champion
In November 2024, history was made in the world of combat sports. At ONE 169, Jackie Buntan stepped into the ring with fire in her heart and destiny in her sights.
With a valiant performance against the decorated Anissa Meksen, Buntan became the inaugural ONE Women’s Strawweight Kickboxing World Champion, forever etching her name into the history books.
Her path to the top wasn’t easy, but it was a testament to grit, resilience, and the heart of a warrior.
A Warrior’s Ascent: From Grit to Glory
Jackie Buntan’s journey to ONE gold was forged through years of dedication to the sport of Muay Thai and kickboxing.
Representing the famed Boxing Works gym in California, Buntan had already established herself as one of the brightest stars in ONE Championship’s striking divisions.
Known for her clean technique, footwork, and sharp boxing, she had previously racked up impressive wins, but gold had eluded her.
That changed in November 2024. With momentum on her side after a hard-earned victory over Martine Michieletto just eight months prior, Buntan was more motivated than ever to seize the moment when ONE Championship announced the creation of the women’s strawweight kickboxing world title.
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The Weight of History: ONE Championship Introduces New Division
ONE Championship’s decision to introduce the women’s strawweight kickboxing division was a monumental step forward for the promotion and for women’s combat sports as a whole.
This move provided elite female strikers like Buntan and Meksen a new platform to showcase their craft and compete for world title recognition.
For Buntan, the stakes couldn’t have been higher. It wasn’t just about winning a fight — it was about becoming the face of a brand-new era.
With the world watching, she knew that her performance could inspire a generation of young women looking to follow in her footsteps.
Standing Across the Ring: The Anissa Meksen Challenge
When the matchup was announced, many viewed Jackie Buntan as the underdog. Her opponent, Anissa Meksen, was a world-class striker with over 100 career victories, multiple world titles, and a reputation for dismantling her opponents with surgical precision.
The French-Algerian fighter had long been considered one of the best pound-for-pound female strikers on the planet.
Facing someone of Meksen’s pedigree was no small task. Meksen’s power, experience, and ring IQ had overwhelmed many before, and few expected Buntan to go the distance — let alone emerge victorious.
Jackie Buntan: Unanimous Decision
A Victory Etched in Gold
The judges rendered their verdict: unanimous decision for Jackie Buntan. The arena erupted.
In that moment, she wasn’t just a fighter — she was a champion. The new strawweight queen was handed the prestigious ONE Championship belt, a symbol of years of sacrifice, training, and belief in herself.
With tears in her eyes and pride in her voice, Buntan addressed the crowd, expressing gratitude for her team, her family, and her fans who had supported her every step of the way.
A Milestone for Women’s Kickboxing
Jackie Buntan’s triumph at ONE 169 represents more than just personal success — it’s a watershed moment for women’s kickboxing.
As the inaugural titleholder, Buntan now carries the responsibility of leading a division and helping it grow. Her victory signals to aspiring female fighters around the world that there’s a legitimate path to glory in ONE Championship.
It also cements ONE’s commitment to giving female athletes the same opportunities as their male counterparts. The addition of a new division provides room for fresh talent, future rivalries, and epic title fights down the road.
The Redemption Arc: Overcoming Past Setbacks
Before this golden moment, Jackie Buntan had faced her share of challenges. She had previously fallen short in her bid for the inaugural ONE women’s strawweight Muay Thai title against Smilla Sundell in 2022.
That loss was a bitter pill, but it lit a fire within her.
Instead of letting it define her, Buntan went back to the gym, refined her skillset, and patiently awaited another opportunity. Her perseverance paid off.
The woman who once came up short on the championship stage now stood tall as the best in the world.
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