Jackie Buntan believes underdog tag gives her extra fire to impress in Anissa Meksen world title tilt at ONE 169
Jackie Buntan may find herself as an overwhelming underdog when she returns on the global stage against Anissa Meksen at ONE 169. That being said, it's a position that she seems to be taking a lot of comfort in.
The Filipino-American superstar meets the multi-time world champion for the inaugural ONE strawweight kickboxing world title inside the Lumpinee Stadium on Nov. 8.
Though there could be added pressure, the California-based fighter says she has come to terms with being the dark horse since it is nothing new to her. Citing her ONE debut against Nat 'Wondergirl' Jaroonsak as an example, Jackie Buntan told ABS-CBN News:
"It just reminds me of going into my first fight with 'Wondergirl.' I was a big underdog, odds stacked against me, and that's my motivation [for this upcoming fight] - just go out there and showcase a new style every time I fight."
Despite having the odds stacked against her in her promotional bow, the Boxing Works athlete did a good job of seeing off the Thai superstar at ONE: Fists of Fury in February 2021.
Since then, she's racked up five more wins alongside a first-round knockout of Diandra Martin to prove why she deserves her spot amongst the very best strikers in the promotion.
Jackie Buntan refuses to give away Anissa Meksen's flaws ahead of ONE 169 duel
Though she'll be strapping on the kickboxing gloves for the first time under the ONE banner, Jackie Buntan is confident of getting things off and running in the kickboxing realm on Nov. 8.
After all, the 27-year-old has done her homework on 'C18.' While she sees plenty of strengths, there are weaknesses that she vows to take advantage of inside the Mecca of Muay Thai.
Speaking to Sportskeeda MMA, she pointed out:
"I just wanna say there are things that me and my coach have picked up on that we're able to implement in my game plan."
Active Amazon Prime Video subscribers can catch the entire ONE 169 card live in U.S. primetime for free on Friday, Nov. 8.