“I still learn new things” - Jackie Buntan says transition to kickboxing was ‘quite smooth’

Newly crowned ONE women's strawweight kickboxing world champion Jackie Buntan of the United States and the Philippines started off her professional career in the world's largest martial arts organization in 'the art of eight limbs'.

But as fate would have it, the 27-year-old Filipina-American would find herself crossing over to the realm of kickboxing, where she is now a ONE world champion.

Speaking to Val de War in a recent interview on DeWar Report, Buntan talked about her transition to kickboxing, and how difficult it was to adapt her skills to the rule set.

The Boxing Works product said:

"I think the only difference was the volume, the cadence, along with the different game plans we were working on, not to say it was a smooth and super easy camp, you know, I still learn new things and how to take time to get those things ingrained in my arsenal, but in terms of the transition, it was quite smooth for me. Especially in the fight. I didn't have an inkling to want to clinch or elbow or anything of that sort. I think it was kind of ingrained into my style at that point."

Buntan captured the gold at ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug on Prime Video last November, where she defeated French-Algerian kickboxing icon 'C18' Anissa Meksen to take home the coveted gold.

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

---

Jackie Buntan leaves door open to MMA transition in ONE: "Never say never"

One of the biggest reasons Jackie Buntan chose to sign with ONE Championship over any other organization was the ability to switch over to multiple different martial arts disciplines, the way she did with Muay Thai and kickboxing.

To that end, Buntan says a transition to MMA could be possible.

She told DeWar Report:

"Never say never. Right now, I'm focused on striking. I just got the kickboxing belt. I want to be able to solidify my name and be unbeatable in that and be unbeatable in Muay Thai. But you never know, never say never. I'll leave the door slightly open."