"She always believed in me" – Kickboxing legend Anissa Meksen opens up about mother’s influence in her decorated career

For combat sports sensation Anissa Meksen, there has been no greater influence than her mother.

Returning to martial arts' biggest global stage on Friday, Nov. 8, the seven-time titleholder will look to claim her first 26 pounds of ONE Championship gold when she meets Boxing Works star Jackie Buntan at ONE 169.

Meksen and Buntan will battle it out inside the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand for the opportunity to become the ONE women's strawweight kickboxing world champion.

Meksen recently sat down with ONE Championship to speak about a person who has played a massive role in both her life and her career—her mother. She said:

“She has everything. She is kind. She’s the best mother I could expect. I don’t know how I can describe her more because, for me, she’s perfect.”

“She is proud of me, but she didn’t push me in for my career. Why? Because I think she was scared about it, but she always believed in me. She has confidence in me and wants the best for me. I try to be a good person, and I try to reach my goal of being a champion, simply."

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Anissa Meksen is ready to bring home gold at ONE 169

Anissa Meksen already knows a thing or two about what it takes to become a world champion. Throughout her career, which has seen her secure more than 100 wins, 'C18' has held titles under the GLORY Kickboxing, ISKA, and WBC banners.

The only thing she's missing is a ONE world championship—something she plans to rectify at ONE 169.

Meksen said:

"For sure, I will win. I've trained hard now for one month and a half. I'm in the best shape, and I'm ready to fight. I have pushed a lot during every training session. It's my time."

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.