Buntan out to solidify standing as a contender in ONE Championship

FILIPINO-AMERICAN muay thai fighter Jackie Buntan makes her ONE Championship return this week where she looks to solidify her standing in the promotion as a contender in the strawweight division.

Off an impressive victory in her last fight in the ONE Super Series in February, California-based Buntan tries to raise her stock further in her battle with Belarusian Ekaterina Vandaryeva on Thursday, April 29, at “ONE on TNT IV” in Singapore.

The event is the final installment of the “ONE on TNT” series where ONE Championship’s fights are shown in the United States, apart from the promotion’s usual audience, on prime time.

It is an opportunity that Ms. Buntan is looking to take full advantage of in pushing for her burgeoning career.

“My family is beyond proud and excited for me to compete on ONE’s TNT show. Being signed to martial arts’ biggest stage is one thing, but adding the factor of competing on a live TNT show, they are ecstatic and almost in shock that my dreams are coming to fruition,” said Ms. Buntan.

“I feel completely honored and grateful for the opportunity to be on ONE’s fourth show that will be aired on TNT!” she added.

Ms. Buntan, 23, loudly introduced herself in the Super Series field with a unanimous decision victory over Wondergirl Fairtex of Thailand where she dominated right from the start. She now looks to be building on it.

While representing the United States, the Filipino-American nak muay still recognizes her Filipino roots and appreciates the support that she has been getting here.

“The Philippines [has] shown nothing but love and support. It definitely adds to my confidence, not only as a fighter, but as a person. Having the nation of the Philippines rocking with me and supporting me just proves to me that I can make people excited and proud just by doing what I love to do,” she said.

Adding, “Being able to represent my bloodline and heritage means the world to me. Being a Filipino-American competing in ONE Super Series is a great opportunity for me to not only chase after my dreams as a fighter, but also to open doors for the younger generation and prove that through hard work and resilience, you can make the life you want for yourself.”

Headlining “ONE on TNT IV” is the ONE Light Heavyweight World Championship clash between reigning champion “The Burmese Python” Aung La N Sang and replacement opponent and middleweight champ Reinier De Ridder of the Netherlands.

Also fighting in the event is Filipino lightweight Eduard Folayang against Japanese veteran Shinya Aoki. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo