“So surreal” - Jackie Buntan reacts to first time fighting in the Philippines

Filipina-American Jackie Buntan was happy and proud to earn a victory in her family's home nation of , the Philippines. At ONE on Prime Video 5, Buntan was able to defeat Amber Kitchen in Manila.

On Instagram, Buntan shared how happy she was with the result, writing:

"So surreal to secure the [ONE Championship] win in the 🇵🇭🤯 It takes a great team to make the dream work."

Buntan then thanked her team, including main coach Brian Popejoy:

"None of this is possible without you guys! I’m ending 2022 on a good note and looking forward to a busy 2023. #mabuhay"

Jackie Buntan is a Muay Thai star. She has always stood out to fans for her technical proficiency in the striking arts. The Filipina-American fighter has even spent time running Muay Thai seminars with all-time striking great Superbon Singha Mawynn.

After three impressive wins in ONE Championship, she fought Smilla Sundell for the inaugural ONE women's strawweight Muay Thai world championship, but lost via decision.

The result against Amber Kitchen got her back in the win column and saw her take a step towards ONE gold. It also allowed Buntan to avenge a 2017 loss to Kitchen.

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Jackie Buntan discusses visiting and fighting in the Philippines: "It's really special"

Jackie Buntan's family is from the Philippines and she was born in the United States. However, she had never visited her family's nation until earlier this year for the very first time.

In an interview with Calf Kick Sports, Buntan explained her experience:

"I was there for four days up in Baguio. And then we went back down to Manila for two days where I got to ... meet my family for the first time."

The first time visiting her family's home nation was on tour with ONE Championship earlier this year. At ONE on Prime Video 5, she got to fight in front of her fans and family in Manila.

She continued:

"The fact that I get to go back and do it through Muay Thai and compete for the Filipino fans, I think some of my family are able to get some tickets as well, it's really special."

See the full interview with Jackie Buntan below: