Jackie Buntan plans to use Martine Michieletto as steppingstone to ONE World Title

Jackie Buntan gears up to face her toughest opponent yet this Friday, March 8.

The Filipina-American sensation battles Martine Michieletto in a 130-pound catchweight Muay Thai contest at ONE Fight Night 20 on Prime Video. This all-female card emanates live in U.S. primetime from the legendary Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

In June 2023, Michieletto announced her arrival in ONE Championship with authority. There, she scored an impressive decision victory in her promotional debut against Amber Kitchen.

Determined and ambitious, “The Italian Queen” aims to further solidify her presence by squaring off with a high-profile name like Buntan.

Although it’s a must-win fight for Buntan, she speaks highly of her upcoming opponent.

“She has a very kickboxing-focused style. A southpaw — obviously that stood out for me. Just that she’s a lefty. It looks like she’s good with the hands, quick, snappy punches, and she is able to clinch as well,” Buntan said.

“So, I think she’s well-rounded.”

While Michieletto eyes an ascent in the women’s Muay Thai ranks, Buntan remains unfazed by her foe’s aspirations.

Confidently dissecting Michieletto’s strengths and weaknesses, Buntan believes she holds a more multi-dimensional skill set heading into the matchup.

“I’m very confident in my smarts, my technicality, my power, and my adaptability,” she said.

Moreover, she sees potential loopholes in Michieletto’s game that she wants to exploit.

“What weaknesses I see, I guess it’s just more foundational type of things. Being upright and, and her stance and her footing, stuff like that,” she said.

Jackie Buntan adamant about keeping win streak alive

Jackie Buntan’s recent track record speaks volumes about her current form.

The 26-year-old’s most recent triumph occurred in May 2023 during ONE’s historic U.S. debut in Colorado. There, she delivered a rousing first-round technical knockout against Diandra Martin.

Fueling Buntan’s drive is a burning desire to vie once again for the ONE Women’s Strawweight Muay Thai World Title — a crown currently held by Swedish rival Smilla Sundell.

Buntan is quite hopeful that securing another victory will pave the way for a second date with Sundell.

“I think it will just keep propelling that momentum, honestly. I think it’ll just keep adding to the momentum of me getting more opportunities and of course, getting closer to competing for the belt,” she said.