“I can't even put it into words” - Jackie Buntan says Brian Popejoy instrumental in her world title win over Anissa Meksen

Newly crowned inaugural ONE women's strawweight kickboxing world champion Jackie Buntan of the Philippines and the United States has a grocery list of people to thank for her incredible world title victory over legendary 'C18' Anissa Meksen last weekend.

But at the very top sits her longtime coach Brian Popejoy.

Popejoy is the mastermind behind Boxing Works in California, where Buntan, and a host of other world champions have trained. Names like former ONE world champion Janet Todd, and Japanese kickboxing icon Takeru Segawa have walked through those gym doors seeking Popejoy's guidance.

Buntan is fresh off a history-making unanimous decision win over French-Algerian icon Meksen last weekend at ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug on Prime Video. And she made sure to give props where it's due.

The Filipina-American superstar addressed the media at the official ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug on Prime Video post-event press conference backstage:

"I mean, I can't even put it into words. You know, I've been with Brian since I was a kid, since I started this whole journey, and being able to win this with him by my side, it feels like a dream. I can't put anything else into words about it."

ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug on Prime Video too place live from the historic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand on Saturday, November 9. Fans in the United States and Canada can catch all the action via replay on-demand with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription.

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Jackie Buntan thrilled to claim victory over big-name Anissa Meksen: "You’ve got to beat the best to be the best"

Jackie Buntan knew exactly what she was up against when she stepped into the ring with Anissa Meksen at ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug on Prime Video last weekend.

As such, the 27-year-old prepared accordingly in training camp, which she says led to her immense confidence and to the win.

Buntan told the media:

"You’ve got to beat the best to be the best. I didn't take her lightly, I didn't underestimate her at all. But going in there, I felt so confident. I felt like I was the better fighter right before the [first] round even started, to be honest."

Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the latest news and updates surrounding Jackie Buntan's next fight.