“It’s easy for me” - French-Algerian legend Anissa Meksen says she has no problems moving up to strawweight ahead of ONE 169
Veteran French-Algerian striker Anissa Meksen has been a steady fixture in the atomweight division since coming on board ONE Championship in 2021. She, however, said that she has no problems going up to strawweight and competing at a division higher.
'C18' swings to strawweight at ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug on Nov. 8 in Thailand as she vies for the division's inaugural women's kickboxing world title. She will battle Filipino-American fighter Jackie Buntan in a five-round joust.
Speaking to combat sports journalist Nic Atkin ahead of her title bid, Meksen discussed fighting at strawweight, highlighting it pretty much comes naturally for her, saying:
"Yeah, I think so, because my true weight is 56 to 57 kilos, so it's easy for me to make weight."
ONE 169 will see Anissa Meksen make a second straight bid for a world title after falling short in her quest for the interim atomweight kickboxing world title in her last fight in December 2023, losing to Thai sensation Phetjeeja by decision.
Her opponent, Buntan, is also looking to succeed in her second try at a world title. She vied for the inaugural strawweight Muay Thai world title in April 2022 but lost by decision to Sweden's Smilla Sundell.
ONE 169 will take place at the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok and air live and for free in U.S. primetime to North American fans with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription.
Anissa Meksen confident that training in France and Thailand has prepared her well for latest title bid
For her latest title bid at ONE 169 on Nov. 8, Anissa Meksen split his training camp between France and Thailand. She believes she hardly skip a beat in doing so and is looking forward to showcasing the result come fight night.
The French-Algerian star will try to claim the inaugural ONE women's strawweight kickboxing world title against Jackie Buntan of the United States at the stacked event happening at Lumpinee Stadium.
In an interview with the South China Morning Post, Meksen talked about her preparation, including the journey she had from France to Thailand.
She said:
"I started my training camp in France for one month, then three weeks now in Phuket for acclimation because the jet lag is horrible for me and I need to feel good for the fight. So I'm in Phuket right now, and I feel very strong and better."