“Such a crazy time” - Jackie Buntan recalls the humanitarian spirit her hometown showed during the LA wildfires

ONE strawweight kickboxing world champion Jackie Buntan was a witness to the devastating wildfires that hit Southern California earlier this year. Buntan looks back at it with a gratefulness as she was able to do her part in the humanitarian efforts to help those affected.

The wildfires happened throughout the month of January, ravaging the Los Angeles metropolitan area and San Diego County. Surrounding communities of the affected areas and even those beyond gathered resources in rallying behind the rebuilding efforts. Among those who chipped in was the LA community where Buntan lives.

In an interview with ONE Championship, the Boxing Works standout recalled the humanitarian spirit she was part of and experienced, expressing gratefulness how things came together.

Jackie Buntan said:

"There were so many people rallying together to help fundraise and also just help out with things that these families and couples may need - as simple as basic stuff you need in your house, clothes, or a place to stay. I think that was evident with how fast Los Angeles can rally together when we're in need.

"Those fires were like 30 miles away from me, but there were so many fundraisers near me in my area trying to help and get a bunch of supplies needed. It was to the point where some of these shelters were actually turning down donations because there were just too much. That was such a crazy time to start 2025 off with."

Areas affected by the wildfires are steadily picking up the pieces. Recovery efforts are progressing while long-term impact of the fires is being studied and incorporated in the rebuilding work.

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Jackie Buntan says going after Muay Thai belt makes a lot of sense for her

While Jackie Buntan continues to care for her community, she is also preparing to resume her ONE Championship campaign. Among those she is looking at is going after the currently vacant strawweight Muay Thai world title to add to the kickboxing gold already in her possession.

She shared it in an interview with the promotion, citing how going for the Muay Thai world title made a lot of sense for her, in line with her goal of pursuing greater heights. Buntan said:

"I'm at that point now like, 'What's next and how can I top this and keep topping that?' Right now, I think the Muay Thai title makes sense."

Jackie Buntan first vied for the strawweight Muay Thai belt when it was first introduced in April 2022. She, however, fell short in her push, losing by decision to Smilla Sundell of Sweden.

The belt was left vacant in May last year after Sundell was stripped of it for missing weight in the lead-up to her title defense.