Buntan's rapid-fire punches and body kicks can disrupt Hemetsberger’s rhythm
Hemetsberger, with superior reach and lethal kicks, must keep Buntan at bay
Buntan's ability to absorb and respond quickly could neutralize Hemetsberger's offense
Hemetsberger's relentless style and clinch work can overwhelm Buntan's counter-striking
ONE Fight Night 35: Buntan vs. Hemetsberger on Prime Video will feature a historic main event as two of the best female strikers on the planet collide for the vacant ONE Women’s Strawweight Muay Thai World Championship.
This Friday, September 5, live in U.S. primetime, reigning ONE Women’s Strawweight Kickboxing World Champion Jackie Buntan will attempt to become a two-sport queen when she faces surging Austrian phenom Stella “Always Hungry” Hemetsberger at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Buntan has been given a rare second chance to win the division’s Muay Thai belt after failing to capture the inaugural crown in April 2022. The Filipina-American worked her way back up the ladder, beating extraordinary talents to earn her kickboxing gold, where she upset striking legend Anissa “C18” Meksen last November.
Meanwhile, Hemetsberger enters with tremendous momentum, riding a five-fight winning streak capped by a spectacular first-round head kick knockout of Vanessa Romanowski at ONE Friday Fights 104 that earned her the six-figure contract and this ONE World Title opportunity.
Before they clash on Friday, we take a look at each fighter’s biggest keys to victory at ONE Fight Night 35.
#1 Buntan’s Aggressive Boxing Combinations
Buntan’s ability to explode forward with rapid-fire punching sequences will be crucial against the taller challenger.
Her success against Meksen came largely from her ability to burst forward with punches in combinations, preventing the counter-striking legend from establishing her rhythm.
She advanced with multiple strikes in succession, often ending sequences with her devastating left body kick. This aggressive approach neutralized Meksen’s preferred counter game and established Buntan’s dominance in key rounds.
Against Hemetsberger’s height advantage, the Boxing Works standout must replicate this forward pressure strategy. The Austrian is strongest when fighting from distance with her kicks, so Buntan needs to close gaps quickly and force exchanges in close quarters.
Her left hook serves as the money punch — whether thrown individually or in hook-cross-hook combinations that can change the fight’s trajectory.
#2 Hemetsberger’s Distance Control
Hemetsberger’s physical advantages and range management will be essential to keeping Buntan at bay.
She stands three inches taller than Buntan and possesses superior reach that allows her to score from distances where her opponent cannot effectively respond. Her heavy round kicks can target both the body and head with dangerous power, while her stabbing left teep serves as an excellent tool for creating space and putting opponents on their back foot.
Against Buntan’s aggressive tendencies, Hemetsberger must make full use of these dimensions from the opening bell. When the ONE World Champion attempts to close distance, the Austrian can utilize her kicks to score damage while maintaining safe positioning.
Her ability to raise body kicks into head kicks makes them nearly impossible to defend, particularly against shorter opponents who struggle to track the trajectory changes.
#3 Buntan’s Defensive Countering
Buntan’s exceptional defensive skills and counter-striking ability could prove decisive in key exchanges.
She absorbs fewer significant strikes than almost any woman in ONE history, ranking fifth-lowest in the promotion’s striking divisions. Her ability to check kicks while immediately countering was particularly effective against Meksen, as she shut down numerous attacks while scoring quick responses.
The kickboxing queen demonstrates remarkable composure under pressure, casually stepping and leaning back to slip attacks before erupting with counter combinations.
This defensive foundation will be crucial against Hemetsberger’s kicking offense. Buntan must have immediate answers to the Austrian’s round kicks, whether through checking, catching, or evasive movement.
Each successful defensive maneuver creates opportunities for counter strikes, and Buntan’s quick transition from defense to offense has proven to be one of the most effective weapons throughout her ONE career.
#4 Hemetsberger’s Forward Pressure
Hemetsberger’s relentless advancing style and willingness to engage in exchanges will be key to overwhelming Buntan.
She embodies the muay buak fighting philosophy, rarely allowing opponents to attack without firing multiple shots in response. She comes forward consistently, maintains high activity levels, and demonstrated her ability to break down opponents through sustained pressure in her ONE Friday Fights performances.
Her knees to the body proved particularly effective against Chellina Chirino, sapping her opponent’s strength in the decisive third round.
Against the counter-striking Buntan, this pressure approach disrupts timing and prevents the ONE World Champion from settling into her preferred rhythm. Hemetsberger must stand her ground when Buntan attacks and immediately fire back with her own combinations.
By forcing Buntan to constantly defend and move backward, she can create the kind of grinding, attritional fight that plays to her strengths while limiting her opponent’s counter-striking opportunities.
Co.,Ltd. (@photoeminency)
