“I’m a great athlete as well” - Jackie Buntan says pundits shouldn’t count her out against decorated veteran Anissa Meksen 

While much has been said about Anissa Meksen's accolades over the years, Jackie Buntan wants to make it clear that she's not the type of fighter you should ever count out, no matter the opposition.

Following a trio of impressive victories over Amber Kitchen, Diandra Martin, and Martine Michieletto in her last three outings, Buntan will have the chance to claim her first 26 pounds of ONE Championship gold when he squares off with 'C18' for the ONE strawweight kickboxing world title at ONE 169.

Emanating from the legendary Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok on Friday, Nov. 8, Buntan vs. Meksen will be a first-ever meeting between the two top stars and just one of four massive world title clashes at one of the biggest combat sports events of 2024.

As for how Buntan sees things playing out, she expects a tough back-and-forth battle but is confident that she'll come out on top whether it be on the scorecards or inside the distance. Speaking to Sportskeeda MMA in an exclusive interview, Buntan said:

"I could also see it going five rounds. She’s a great athlete, I’m a great athlete as well. So I can see it being a back-and-forth clash, but I definitely see myself being up on the scorecards at that."

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Will Jackie Buntan's evolution lead her to a ONE world championship?

Even after she scored a highlight-reel knockout against Diandra Martin at ONE Fight Night 10 last year, Jackie Buntan opted to take some time off to perfect her craft and make a run at a world title.

That time in the gym paid off—as evidenced by her big win over Martine Michieletto earlier this year.

Buntan added:

"I’ve always been so focused on perfecting my craft and making it better. Even if I win a fight, I still wanna get better. So I know I’ve earned this spot and I’m worthy of standing in there with her."

Will Buntan's hard work and determination lead her to her first ONE world championship, or will the experience of Anissa Meksen prove to be the difference-maker inside the Mecca of Muay Thai?

Fans in the United States and Canada can watch ONE 169: Malykhin vs. ‘Reug Reug’ live on Amazon Prime Video on Friday, Nov. 8 in U.S. primetime.