Jackie Buntan knew her path to gold would lead to Anissa Meksen clash: “It would make sense”

Jackie Buntan is not surprised that she has been scheduled to face Anissa Meksen in a strawweight title fight next month. She said that the bout made sense, since the Algerian-French fighter has been a longtime competitor and has had a lot of success in and around the 125 pound mark.

The 27-year-old California-based fighter will battle 'C18' for the inaugural ONE women's strawweight kickboxing world title at ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug on Nov. 8 in Thailand.

It is one of the world title matches featured on the card taking place at the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok and airing live and for free at U.S. primetime to North American fans with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription.

Speaking to Sportskeeda MMA in an interview, Jackie Buntan shared her opinion on facing off with 36-year-old Meksen at strawweight, saying:

"She wasn't my first person to think of getting a title shot, but knowing that she fought in the 122-division in Glory, I kind of figured it out. It would make sense if she would fight in the strawweight division because it was close to the weight she used to fight at."

At ONE 169, Jackie Buntan makes another go at a world title after falling short in her bid for the inaugural strawweight Muay Thai world title in April 2022, losing to Sweden's Smilla Sundell by decision.

Meanwhile, Meksen is coming off her failed bid at a world title in her last match. She lost to Thai sensation Phetjeeja for the interim atomweight kickboxing world title in December 2023.

Jackie Buntan says title fight at ONE 169 a great opportunity for her

Jackie Buntan looks at her title match against Anissa Meksen at ONE 169 on Nov. 8 as a great opportunity, regardless of the outcome.

She shared this in the same interview with Sportskeeda MMA, pointing how it is a win-win situation for her. The Boxing Works standout said:

"I mean, like I said it's the type of fight any athlete would want because it solidifies your name in the sport. It's only gonna make you better."

Incidentally, ONE 169 will also see Buntan compete in kickboxing for the first time in ONE Championship after seven matches under Muay Thai rules.