In the fiercely competitive world of professional kickboxing, few stories captivate and inspire as much as that of Jackie Buntan, the reigning ONE Championship strawweight queen. With her dynamic presence and remarkable skill, Buntan has not only claimed a prestigious title but also shaped a narrative of resilience and determination.
The Big Decision: Choosing ONE Championship
Jackie Buntan’s journey into the limelight of kickboxing is a testament to her strategic choices and unwavering commitment. At a pivotal moment in her career, Buntan faced a decision that would set the course for her future. After a failed attempt to turn professional at 22 due to a canceled fight in a local Los Angeles promotion, Buntan received offers from two major organizations. “I was supposed to turn pro when I was 22, was that 2019? I got a WCK organization, like, super local one within L.A., San Diego. And then I had some issues where the fight fell through. I was like, okay, whatever. And around that time, I got an offer from Glory Kickboxing. And then, like, two weeks after, ONE Championship came with an offer,” Buntan recounted on The Casuals podcast.
Choosing to sign with ONE Championship over Glory Kickboxing, Buntan embraced the opportunity to compete on a global stage, marking a significant leap in her professional career. This choice not only demonstrated her readiness to challenge herself but also her foresight in selecting a platform that aligned with her aspirations and potential for growth.
An Unexpected Love for Kickboxing
Interestingly, kickboxing was not always a part of Buntan’s plan. The Filipina-American athlete initially stumbled upon the sport almost by accident. Recollecting her first encounter, she shared, “I had no idea what I was watching, but, like, I don’t know, it just looked so straightforward at a young age. I had no idea what it was, but I was like, this looks like these people are just straight up kicking each other, punching each other. Looks like so useful if I needed to use it.” This curiosity led her to Google the closest gym, which brought her to Boxing Works near Hermosa Beach, where she has trained ever since under the guidance of coach Brian Popejoy.
A Champion’s Future
Today, as the ONE women’s strawweight kickboxing champion, Jackie Buntan stands as a prominent figure in martial arts, representing both the United States and the Philippines. Her story is not just about the fights won in the ring but also about overcoming setbacks and seizing opportunities. As Buntan continues to prepare for future challenges, her fans and followers eagerly await her next moves. Her journey underscores the importance of perseverance, strategic decision-making, and the relentless pursuit of one’s passions.
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