Jackie Buntan is lined up for a big rematch in a different combat sport and in an outing that will see her aim to defend her crown. This transpires on February 13th as part of ONE Fight Night 40, and in the headline attraction, the ONE strawweight kickboxing championship will be defended by reigning titleholder Buntan in a sequel clash with ONE strawweightMuay Thaichamp, Stella Hemetsberger.

This is an immediate rematch as the last time out with Hemetsberger was for the ONE strawweight Muay Thai title. Now coming into this bout as the reigning ONE kickboxing champion, but also looking to avenge the prior setback within the art of eight limbs, Buntan said [viaBowks Talking Bouts],

“Yeah, for sure. You know, it’s one thing to win a world title, but I think it shows even more importance to be able to keep that and defend that and stay on top. That’s the hard part.”

When asked if there were particular crossover components from that first fight that can inform the rematch here, Buntan stated [viaBowks Talking Bouts],

“Yeah, you know, I mean, although it’s the same fight and it’s a rematch, different rule set, it’s a different fight all in all. I always think that with every fight, even if it is a rematch, it’s a different fight. It’s a different Jackie that she’s going to be stepping in the ring with. So yeah, just different all around.”

As Buntan carves out her own championship legacy, it’s also worth noting her long-standing history with Janet Todd, a legendary individual fromONE Championshipin her own right. When asked about those martial arts lineage pieces with Todd ahead of this key fight coming up here, Buntan quipped [viaBowks Talking Bouts],

“Yeah. No, thank you. Yeah, it’s been a journey. You know, I turned professional within ONE Championship in 2021. What is that, five years now? So was able to get a lot of work done and work my way up to world champion status. And you know, my goal is and plan is to keep that and stay on top. So yeah.”

When asked if that looks like continuing to author several kickboxing title defenses specifically or aiming to get another crack in the future at becoming a two-sport champion again, Buntan said [viaBowks Talking Bouts],

“Yeah. Like when I first came into the company, that was my goal. I wanted to follow in my training partner’s footsteps, Janet’s footsteps, how she was going for both sports and to attain both titles. That’s exactly what I want. And I know I’m capable of doing it. But the first task at hand is defending this belt and and stay on top and ‘and still.'”

Speaking to the rich lineage and tradition components of fighting, the venue this fight takes place in has such a well- entrenched legacy piece to it. When asked about getting to compete atLumpinee Stadiumin the coming hours, Buntan stated [viaBowks Talking Bouts],

Source: LowKickMMA.com