𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗦 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦: “Jackie Buntan dominates ONE Women's strawweight category” by Alyanna Latoreno Claveria

Layout by: Gabryael Quijano

Published by: Annika Howie Quizana

Date Published: November 19, 2024

Time Published: 6:06 PM

Jackie Buntan, a 27-year-old Filipino-American kickboxer has claimed the inaugural ONE women's strawweight kickboxing world title after defeating Anissa Meksen of France at ONE 169 on Friday, November 8.

Buntan struggled to find her rhythm early, as Meksen controlled the first two rounds with sharp leg kicks and powerful punches. Near the end of the second round, however, a clean jab-cross shifted the momentum.

Despite Meksen’s persistence and effective counter-attacks, Buntan's sharper strikes and sustained pressure, especially in the final two rounds, made the difference.

After five closely contested rounds, Buntan relied on her boxing and powerful leg kicks throughout the battle, outlanding her opponent with shots that captured all three judges' attention and ultimately secured her a unanimous decision victory.

"I have been confident this whole camp. I knew it was mine, I just had to solidify it. I just can't believe it right now," Buntan remarked.

This victory marks Buntan’s first time holding a world title, stepping into the ranks of ONE World Champions, joining her retired Boxing Works teammate, former atomweight champion Janet "JT" Todd after her initial attempt ended in a loss to Smilla Sundell two years prior.

IMAGE SOURCES:

[1] Jacinto, C., & Jacinto, C. (2024, November 9). Jackie Buntan Stuns Anissa Meksen, claims Inaugural ONE Women’s strawweight kickboxing World title. ONE Championship – the Home of Martial Arts. https://www.onefc.com/.../jackie-buntan-stuns-anissa.../

[2] Coate, B., & Coate, B. (2024, November 12). ‘The First Of Many’ – Jackie Buntan Aims Even Higher After World Title Win Over Anissa Meksen. ONE Championship – the Home of Martial Arts. https://www.onefc.com/.../the-first-of-many-jackie.../

[3] Jackie Buntan [@jackiebuntan]. (2024, November 11). 16 years in the making and I'm the Inaugural ONE Straweight Kickboxing World Champion [Photography]. Instragram. https://www.instagram.com/p/DCNbpXMyhKV/?igsh=MXdmeXU1aDU3ZXpxcA==

REFERENCES:

[1] Siasat, J. (2024, November 9). Fil-Am kickboxer Jackie Buntan wins ONE world title. GMA News Online. https://www.gmanetwork.com/.../fil-am-kickboxer.../story/

[2] Jacinto, C., & Jacinto, C. (2024, November 9). Jackie Buntan Stuns Anissa Meksen, Claims Inaugural ONE Women’s Strawweight Kickboxing World Title. ONE Championship – the Home of Martial Arts. https://www.onefc.com/.../jackie-buntan-stuns-anissa.../

[3] Jackie Buntan, Islay Bomogao banner PH victories in back-to-back ONE Championship events. (n.d.). One-network. https://www.onesports.ph/more.../article/26177/one-recap...