“You guys still ride for me” - Strawweight kickboxing queen Jackie Buntan thanks fans who stuck with her through the good and bad

Jackie Buntan is grateful for the fans who have stuck by her side through thick and thin.

After coming up short in her first ONE world title opportunity against then-strawweight Muay Thai queen Smilla Sundell two years ago, Buntan got another crack at 26 pounds of gold, challenging seven-time titleholder Anissa Meksen for the inaugural ONE women's strawweight kickboxing world championship.

Though Meksen had an experience advantage competing in kickboxing, it was Buntan who delivered another sensational showing on martial arts' biggest global stage, earning a unanimous decision victory over 'C18' to claim her first ONE world title.

Speaking with Beyond Kick after having some time to let her success sink in, the Boxing Works star expressed gratitude for those who have continued to support her, even at the lowest point of her career:

"Thank you all for supporting me. I've had a successful career so far. I feel like I'm at the start of it and even at my lowest points, my losses, you guys still ride for me. That's all I care about. Just having you guys know I'm a good person, a good fighter and that you guys want to ride with me. Thank you!"

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Jackie Buntan says becoming a ONE world champion for the first time was a 'surreal' feeling

Having dedicated more than 15 years of her life to becoming a world champion, Jackie Buntan was understandably at a loss for words moments after hearing her name announced as the winner and new ONE strawweight kickboxing world champion.

Speaking to Mitch Chilson in the ring, Buntan said:

"I’m lost for words. I’ve been training since I was 11. I’m 27 now and I’ve been dreaming about this and hoping about it. It just feels surreal that it’s actually in my arms right now."

Now that she's climbed to the top of the mountain, the only question that remains is, what's next?

Perhaps a long-awaited rematch with Smilla Sundell—the only woman to defeat her under the ONE Championship banner. Perhaps a champion vs. champion showdown with fellow kickboxing queen Phetjeeja?

It appears as though the sky is the limit for Jackie Buntan and fight fans are already chomping at the bit to see what she does next in ONE Championship.

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.