5 rising stars you should watch out for in ONE Championship in 2022

#2. Jackie Buntan - ONE strawweight

After finishing 2021 with a 3-0 record in ONE, America’s Jackie Buntan has arguably done enough to show that she deserves a shot at the inaugural ONE women’s strawweight Muay Thai world title.

The Boxing Works star began the year by dominating Wondergirl at ONE: Fists of Fury in February, before earning another win over one of the division’s top fighters, Ekaterina Vandaryeva, in April.

Her third outing was yet another one-sided affair. The 24-year-old stung her rival, Daniela Lopez, with her precise right cross-left hook combos that allowed her to take home the clear-cut unanimous decision win.

A world title shot is now the most likely scenario for the young warrior. But if that opportunity doesn't arrive, Buntan is happy to continue racking up wins until that golden opportunity presents itself.

Packed with power, fight IQ and a desire to become one of the best strikers under the ONE Super Series banner, the IAMTF featherweight champion and California state Muay Thai champion is definitely a rising star you must look out for in 2022.

---

#1. Itsuki Hirata

An injury cruelly forced 22-year-old Itsuki Hirata to pull out of the ONE women’s atomweight world Grand Prix semifinals. But if the road to recovery is smooth for this young Judoka specialist, we see her leaving a lasting impression in the circle next year.

The Japanese star has built quite a fanbase ever since her memorable win over Angelie Sabanal in her ONE debut in June 2019. She picked up a further three wins on the global stage to become one of the eight women to participate in the inaugural atomweight GP.

‘Android 18’ proved that she is more than just a ground game specialist in the quarterfinals of the GP by mixing up her efficiency on the ground and answering everything Alyse Anderson threw at her in the striking department to leave the circle with her most significant win to date.

Her MMA game keeps evolving every time she steps inside the circle. If she can maintain her tremendous work ethic and performance, 2022 could be a breakout year for Hirata.