Jackie Buntan unintimidated by accoladed Anissa Meksen: “I know I’m just as good” 

American striking star Jackie Buntan laces up the big gloves for the first time in her ONE Championship career this weekend. And she believes she has what it takes to score her biggest win yet over an accomplished veteran in Anissa Meksen.  

The duo vie for the inaugural ONE Women’s Strawweight Kickboxing World Title at ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug, which airs this Friday, November 8, from Bangkok, Thailand’s Lumpinee Stadium.  

Buntan has grown into one of the most complete hitters in the women’s pure striking realm. Her three-fight winning streak over Amber Kitchen, Diandra Martin, and Martine Michieletto lay claim to that.  

However, it’s no secret that Meksen has fought the best of the best in her decorated career. But Buntan believes her skills make her too much of an anomaly for the French-Algerian to solve.  

“I know I’m just as good. I know she hasn’t fought anybody like me. Stylistically, we’re both at the top as combat sport athletes, both females. So, I think it’s going to be a competitive fight and that’s what we’re training for,” she said.

“I do think it’ll solidify that we will be one of the most entertaining fights of the night, if not the most entertaining one of the night.”  

Buntan’s showdown with Meksen is one of three ONE World Title bouts under the spotlight at ONE 169 this weekend. She shares the stage with three-weight ONE MMA World Champion Anatoly Malykhin and ONE flyweight Muay Thai king Rodtang Jitmuangnon.  

That said, the 27-year-old feels it’s a profound moment for women in ONE Championship. And she plans to mark it the best way she can this weekend.  

“I think it’s very big for women and only hope to see more female fights. I do think there’s been a decline in female fights on the ONE cards this year as compared to before,” Buntan said.

“So being able to headline one of the later cards in the year, it’s super special and to do it for a World Title makes it even that much more special.” 

Jackie Buntan hopes second time’s the charm for World Title dreams

ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug will be the second time Jackie Buntan challenges for gold in ONE Championship. And she plans to make it count. 

The American striker’s first opportunity came against Smilla Sundell at ONE 156 in April 2022. The pair duked it out for the inaugural ONE women’s strawweight Muay Thai crown. 

That night, her Swedish rival outstruck her across five rounds to claim the throne. But Buntan has gone away and honed her craft for over two years, building a three-fight winning streak to boot. 

So when the bell rings at ONE 169, Buntan will be more prepared than ever before as she looks to make good on a second chance to wear the first major World Title of her career.