“It’s just life” - French-Algerian icon Anissa Meksen says losing to Phetjeeja made her a stronger fighter than before

It may have broken her perfect record in ONE Championship, but Anissa Meksen stepped away from her defeat to Phetjeeja with a bag full of experience and lessons. Meksen lost to Phetjeeja for the right to claim the ONE interim atomweight kickboxing world title at ONE Friday Fights 46.

The five-round fight saw the younger and faster Phetjeeja assert her offense while maintaining a tight defensive game against the French-Algerian icon.

In an interview with the South China Morning Post, Meksen said the loss made her a better fighter and she plans to bring those lessons to life the next time she steps between the ropes.

Anissa Meksen said:

"Of course. Life is like this. Bad times, good times, very good times, and you need to stay focused and stay motivated. It’s just life, simply."

Meksen's collision with Phetjeeja was the perfect showdown of inter-generational superstars where the younger ultimately found a way to steal the veteran's thunder.

Despite the defeat, Meksen heads into her next world title match with a determination that made her such an accomplished legend in the realm of combat sports.

Meksen will face Filipino-American standout Jackie Buntan for the inaugural ONE women's strawweight kickboxing world title at the stacked ONE 169 card on Nov. 8, US primetime, at the historic Lumpinee Stadium.

The Bangkok showdown between Buntan and Meksen, and the entire ONE 169 card, are available live and free to all Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada.

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Anissa Meksen hellbent on claiming ONE Championship gold

One would be hard-pressed to find a more decorated fighter than Anissa Meksen.

'C18' is often considered one of the greatest fighters of all time having held multiple world titles across Glory, ISKA, WAKO, and WBC Muay Thai. There is, however, one world title that has eluded Meksen.

In the same interview with the South China Morning Post, Meksen expressed her determination to beat Jackie Buntan and become the first ONE women's strawweight kickboxing world champion.

"I don’t have a list [of things I want to do]. I want to push myself a lot. I want to make crazy fights. This is the only belt missing from my collection, that’s why it’s my goal now. It’s my dream now, simply. I want this belt and I really want to make this dream come true."

Watch Meksen's entire interview below: