“It’s only gonna make you better” - Jackie Buntan says duel with Anissa Meksen is a win-win situation for her promising career
Jackie Buntan sees her scheduled title match against veteran fighter Anissa Meksen next month only benefitting her burgeoning career, regardless of the outcome.
The Filipino-American striker will duel 'C18' for the inaugural ONE women's strawweight kickboxing world title at ONE 169: Malykhin vs. 'Reug Reug' on Nov. 8. It is one of four world title matches featured in the event happening at the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
In an interview with Sportskeeda MMA, Buntan opened up about how she is approaching her high-stakes showdown with Meksen, particularly how it is a great opportunity to advance her career.
The Boxing Works standout said:
"I mean, like I said it's the type of fight any athlete would want because it solidifies your name in the sport. It's only gonna make you better."
ONE 169 will see Jackie Buntan vie for a ONE world title for the second time. She tried to claim the inaugural atomweight Muay Thai title in April 2022 but was edged out by Sweden's Smilla Sundell by decision.
Meksen, for her part, is also in the same boat, having attempted to get the interim atomweight kickboxing world title in her last match in December but losing to Thai superstar Phetjeeja.
ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug will air live and for free in U.S. primetime to North American fans with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription.
Jackie Buntan confident in kickboxing debut at ONE 169
ONE 169 on Nov. 8 will see Jackie Buntan make her kickboxing debut under ONE Championship. She, however, is confident of transitioning well even if it will have her use bigger gloves than those in her traditional lane of Muay Thai.
She expressed this in an interview with Sportskeeda MMA, highlighting how she does not see the 8-ounce gloves in kickboxing affecting her power too much, if at all.
Buntan said:
"I've always been confident in my power going into ONE Championship, I mean, I always relied on it. I know my power is always gonna be there."
Under ONE Championship's global Muay Thai rule set, fighters use 4-ounce gloves.