- Filipino-American kickboxing star Jackie Buntan looks to become a two-sport queen
- She battles Austrian Stella Hemetsberger for the vacant ONE Women's Strawweight Muay Thai World Title on September 5, 2025
- Ahead of the ONE Fight Night 35 main event, she talks about her rescue dog
Reigning ONE Women’s Strawweight Kickboxing World Champion Jackie Buntan’s heart belongs to a four-legged companion who has been by her side through every triumph and setback.
The 28-year-old Filipino-American superstar will carry inspiration from her beloved rescue dog named Jack when she steps into the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, at ONE Fight Night 35 on Prime Video, live in U.S. primetime on September 5.
Buntan will chase two-sport glory as she battles surging Austrian phenom Stella Hemetsberger for the vacant ONE Women’s Strawweight Muay Thai World Title.
When she’s not perfecting her devastating combinations at Boxing Works in Southern California, Buntan finds her greatest joy in the simple moments spent with Jack, a canine sweetheart whose unique personality has captivated everyone who meets him.
The story of their bond began five years ago when destiny seemed to align perfectly.
Buntan told onefc.com:
“I got Jack in 2019. He was a puppy, three months old. I was living with my dad at the time. He’s a mutt. He looks like a terrier, but he actually got his DNA tested. He is mostly pug, which is a shocker, mostly pug, poodle, and terrier.”
The connection was immediate and undeniable. From the moment Buntan saw Jack’s adoption profile, she knew they were meant to be together.
She continued:
“The adoption agency had already named him Jack. So when I saw his profile, I was like, ‘Oh my God, this is like the cutest dog ever.’ His name is Jack. It’s meant to be. I’ve always thought the weird, funny dogs were cuter than your standard cute dogs, like a golden retriever. He just looked so weird in a cute way.”
For Buntan, Jack is more than just a pet – he’s been a constant companion through the most transformative years of her life.
The kickboxing queen shared:
“I’ve always wanted to have my own dog. I got him when I was 22 years old, so he was with me through all the shenanigans, going out with my friends late at night, getting food. He was there with me. He grew up with me. We grew up together.
“All my friends and family think he’s hilarious because he’s so weird. He’s very unique. He likes to keep to himself, but we like to call him a human in a dog suit. He prefers humans to dogs. He does not really like other dogs. But if there are people around, or if he’s alone, that’s like his bliss.”
A World Champion’s Best Friend
Beyond providing companionship, Jack has become an integral part of Jackie Buntan’s mental preparation and recovery process as she pursues greatness in the world’s largest martial arts organization.
Their tight bond makes separation during fight camps unbearable at times. Despite the Filipino-American’s demanding schedule as a World Champion, Buntan makes sure to maintain their connection across the miles.
The Boxing Works product shared:
“Even if I’m just gone throughout the day for a few hours, I want to come home to him just to be with him. Especially traveling for the fights because I’m based in LA, so I fly out for a week, maybe 10 days, and I’m gone. So I’m FaceTiming him every day, and my boyfriend sends me photos, all of that.”
For Buntan, Jack serves as her emotional anchor during the most grueling moments of fight preparation. When the pressure mounts and training becomes mentally exhausting, knowing she has a loyal friend waiting at home provides invaluable comfort.
The World Champion shared:
“It’s just nice after a long day, especially if it’s a mentally exhausting day. There are many times I have those days in fight camp where I’m just drained or borderline didn’t execute at all that day or that week, and you just want to cry. You come home to this little guy who’s just like, hey, I’ll be next to you no matter what. It’s just a nice feeling to have.”
At its core, the connection between Buntan and Jack represents something pure in a sport where emotions run high and stakes couldn’t be greater.
Jack has been a solace amidst the chaos.
At the end of the day, the kickboxing queen knows she has a faithful companion who will be there, wagging his tail, no matter the outcome.
As Buntan prepares to face Hemetsberger in pursuit of two-sport glory, she brings with her the same unwavering loyalty and love from her non-human ally.
She concluded:
“That’s literally it. Unconditional love. It doesn’t matter how crappy of a day you’ve had or if you yelled at him for being bad. They are going to show up and love you no matter what. They really are your best friend, and that’s what I look forward to every time I’m gone.”
