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Jackie Buntan wasn't deterred by her injury setback earlier this year.
On July 5, Buntan was scheduled to fight Anissa Meksen for the inaugural women's strawweight kickboxing world title. Buntan suffered an injury before ONE Fight Night 23, postponing the intriguing matchup to ONE 169 on Friday, Nov. 8.
The rescheduling of Buntan vs. Meksen gave the American time to recover from her injury and further prepare for the world title opportunity. During an interview with ONE, Buntan had this to say about the situation potentially being a blessing in disguise:
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"I'm a big believer of things happening for a reason. But after last year, after this injury, it really solidified like it's OK. Take a step back, take a pause because everything really happens for a reason."
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Jackie Buntan vs. Anissa Meksen is one of three world title fights scheduled for ONE 169. The other two and Anatoly Malykhin vs. 'Reug Reug' Oumar Kane (heavyweight MMA) in the main event and Rodtang vs. Jacob Smith in the co-main event (catchweight Muay Thai). Smith is the only one eligible for the flyweight Muay Thai belt after Rodtang missed weight.
ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug will air live in US Primetime free of charge for Prime Video subscribers in North America. Friday's event goes down inside the legendary combat sports venue of Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Check out the ONE 169 fight card below:
Jackie Buntan looks to validate two-sport supremacy potential
Jackie Buntan has fought seven times in the ONE Championship, leading to a promotional Muay Thai record of 6-1. The American's lone defeat in ONE was against teenage phenom Smilla Sundell, who secured a unanimous decision win to become the inaugural women's strawweight Muay Thai world champion.
Buntan may not have won that night, but she proved her potential to continue evolving and capture the world title in the future. Since then, the 27-year-old has rattled off three consecutive victories.
At ONE 169, Buntan has an opportunity to defeat a well-respected opponent, former seven-time Muay Thai and kickboxing world champion Anissa Meksen. Furthermore, Buntan could potentially utilize the kickboxing strap to secure a Muay Thai title shot, giving her a chance to join the exclusive two-sport supremacy club.
