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Jackie Buntan hopes to one day defend her ONE strawweight kickboxing crown in The Golden State.
Originally, ONE 169 was scheduled to emanate from State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. However, the event ended up going down inside the legendary Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok due to partner obligations in Thailand. It was a bit of a bummer for the American-born Buntan, but she certainly didn't let it affect her performance.
Throughout her five-round affair with seven-time titleholder Anissa Meksen, Buntan controlled the pace and landed the more significant shots, scoring her biggest win yet and her first 26 pounds of ONE gold.
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Appearing at the ONE 169 post-fight press conference, Buntan expressed hope that she'd one day get the opportunity to defend her belt on home turf. Specifically, in California where she was born and raised. She said:
"Yeah, you know, born and raised in Cali, and I was bummed, I thought this was going to be in Atlanta, but hopefully next year there are more U.S. events, because I'd love to get my whole family, all my friends, out there, all the good energy, and just put it on for Cali".
Jackie Buntan may get her chance to compete on U.S. soil in 2025 as ONE announces two stateside events
Considering ONE 168: Denver was one of the most successful events in ONE Championship history—generating more than $1 million in revenue and drawing in over 10,000 fans at the gate—the promotion is chomping at the bit to return to the United States.
They'll do exactly that in 2025.
While announcing the change in venue for ONE 169, ONE officials confirmed that the promotion will head back to the U.S. for two events expected to take place on May 23 and Dec. 5, though those dates are subject to change. More information will be available through ONE Championship's official website and the ONE App in the coming months.
Until then, if you missed any of the action, ONE Championship fans in the United States and Canada can watch the ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug replay on demand via Amazon Prime Video.
