“She's been in the game for so long” - Jackie Buntan says she must be at her absolute best to upset veteran Anissa Meksen 

Jackie Buntan considers herself "the underdog" heading into ONE 169.

On Friday, Nov. 8, Buntan looks to conquer one of the biggest opportunities of her fighting career. At ONE 169, the American superstar will compete in her first promotional kickboxing bout when she faces former seven-time kickboxing and Muay Thai world champion Anissa Meksen for the inaugural women's strawweight kickboxing world title.

Buntan enters Friday's event riding a three-fight winning streak in Muay Thai. Meanwhile, Meksen is coming off her lone promotional defeat, as Phetjeeja defeated her by a unanimous decision for the women's interim atomweight kickboxing world title in December 2023.

Buntan recently appeared in an interview with ONE and described herself as the underdog against Meksen. The 27-year-old said:

"Any fight I take, I don't take it easy. Especially this fight. Statistically, I'm the underdog compared to her. She has so many strengths. She's been in the game for so long and I backed myself 110%."

ONE 169 goes down inside the legendary Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. Friday's event featuring three world title fights, including Jackie Buntan vs. Anissa Meksen, will air live in US Primetime free of charge for Prime Video subscribers in North America.

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Why is Jackie Buntan considered the underdog against Anissa Meksen?

Jackie Buntan holds a promotional Muay Thai record of 6-1, making her one of the most talented female fighters in ONE Championship. Therefore, the American striker is rarely seen as an underdog, which she believes is the case at ONE 169.

Anissa Meksen arguably being a favorite is a result of two primary factors. Firstly, Buntan has not fought in a kickboxing bout in ONE Championship. The transition wouldn't be as concerning in other promotions, but ONE uses smaller gloves for Muay Thai, creating a big difference-maker.

Secondly, Meksen is a former seven-time kickboxing and Muay Thai world champion in other promotions. Although the titles weren't in ONE, the experience advantage in high-stakes matchups could be a factor in a close fight against Buntan.

Nonetheless, Buntan shouldn't be overlooked at ONE 169. The American superstar has the tools needed to emerge victorious and become a world champion.