Filipino-American fighter Jackie Buntan will challenge for the vacant ONE women’s strawweight Muay Thai world title against Austria’s Stella Hemetsberger at ONE Fight Night 35 on September 6 in Bangkok.

The reigning kickboxing champion has a chance to become a rare two-sport titleholder. For her, the moment is about more than chasing history, as she sees the fight as an opportunity to represent her cultural roots on the global stage. “Being a Filipino-American fighter means the world to me, especially representing it on the biggest stage, ONE Championship, and being a woman at that,” she said. “There are a lot of Filipino athletes, and there are a select few that make it onto a grand stage like that. I’m lucky and blessed to be one of them.”

Return to Muay Thai roots

Buntan rose to prominence after claiming the kickboxing crown in 2023 against Anissa Meksen. Now she returns to her original discipline with championship stakes on the line. “These opportunities opened up simply because I followed what I believed was right and fun in my life,” she explained. “Being able to represent the Filipino identity while doing that feels both surreal and an honor.”

Her rise comes at a time when Filipino fighters are excelling in ONE Championship. Denice Zamboanga recently became the first Filipina to win an MMA world title, while Joshua Pacio reclaimed the strawweight crown. They follow the path laid down by Brandon Vera and Eduard Folayang, whose legacies continue to inspire the new generation. “It’s a new generation coming, especially with me and Denice being women,” Buntan said. “Before I was signed to ONE, the Filipinos I knew were Brandon Vera and Team Lakay. Now to be part of this new wave with Denice and Joshua is amazing.”

For Buntan, the upcoming clash in Lumpinee Stadium is both a career milestone and a chance to showcase the grit and spirit that Filipino fighters are known for worldwide.