Anissa Meksen is gearing up for another shot at ONE Championship gold. At ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug, the French-Algerian will meet Jackie Buntan for the inaugural ONE Women’s Strawweight Kickboxing World Title. It is an opportunity at history that excites the 36-year-old.
“It’s the inaugural belt. It’s history. It really will be amazing to get this title. It’s my dream. It’s my goal. It’s everything to me. If I take the belt, it will be the best moment of my career for sure,” Meksen told ONE.
Meksen has been eyeing ONE gold since arriving in the promotion in 2021, calling for title shots at every turn. Receiving the opportunity at strawweight is a welcome moment for the French-Algerian. It has served as extra motivation, pushing Meksen each time she walks into the gym.
IT'S ON ⚔️ Jackie Buntan and Anissa Meksen's long-awaited clash for the inaugural ONE Women's Strawweight Kickboxing World Title goes down November 8 at ONE 169 on @primevideo! Who you got? 👑#ONE169 | Nov 8 at 8PM ET
🌍 Also available on https://t.co/eBUfsOmxDL… pic.twitter.com/F71lRLhBcw— ONE Championship (@ONEChampionship) October 9, 2024
“I’ve been waiting four years for this, and that’s why my motivation is very high. I really want to take this belt. For sure, I will win. I’ve trained hard now for one month and a half. I’m in the best shape, and I’m ready to fight. I have pushed a lot during every training session. It’s my time,” the strawweight said.
The Korean Tiger Studios representative will have her hands full with Buntan. The American has been exceptional as of late, winning her last three outings on the global stage. The Californian’s quickness and power have shown throughout her ONE career, qualities Meksen noted in her breakdown of her opponent.
However, over a long career in the sport, Meksen says this is nothing new. The 36-year-old is prepared for what the Boxing Works star has to offer, both technically and physically. The French-Algerian shows no signs of concern heading into Lumpinee Stadium for the five-round showdown.
“She is complete, and she has good boxing. That’s why I have trained a lot of boxing and everything. My camp is the same every time, but of course, I adapt my style against my opponent. She is very strong, but at my level, every opponent is strong. I have faced a lot of strong opponents. For me, it’s not new,” the French-Algerian stated.
Meksen will be moving up in weight in ONE to challenge for the inaugural title. It is a positive development, according to the French-Algerian. Meksen has been able to focus purely on training without worrying about closely monitoring her diet and sacrificing any physical elements. Heading into ONE 169, Meksen feels primed for the high-stakes kickboxing battle.
“It’s my natural weight, so I haven’t had to care about weight or my diet or anything like that. I’ve just stayed focused on my training. I’ve just put on a little bit of muscle for more power, but that’s it. I’m in my best shape now. I’ve trained hard, and everything is perfect,” Meksen said.
ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug airs live on Friday, November 8, on Prime Video. The action begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. The event is free for all Amazon Prime members based in the U.S. and Canada.
