Kickboxing Queen Reflects on ‘Incredible’ Two-Sport Championship Achievement

Austrian striking sensation Stella Hemetsberger made history by capturing the ONE Women’s Strawweight Kickboxing World Title with a hard-fought split decision victory over Filipino-American champion Jackie Buntan. Stella Hemetsberger’s coronation took place at ONE Fight Night 40 on Friday, 13 February, at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

The 27-year-old became Austria’s first two-sport ONE World Champion after defeating Buntan in their rematch. Stella Hemetsberger claimed the strawweight Muay Thai crown last September by defeating the Californian via unanimous decision in a fight where first-round knockdowns played a significant role.

This recent kickboxing title clash proved even closer as the judges rendered a split decision after five rounds of technical striking excellence. Stella Hemetsberger joins Thai megastar Stamp Fairtex and American legend Janet Todd as the only female strikers to capture two-sport glory in ONE Championship.

Stella Hemetsberger Savors Historic Two-Sport Achievement

Speaking immediately after her victory, an elated Hemetsberger struggled to contain her emotions about capturing her second World Title in different striking disciplines. The superstar, who represents Phuket Fight Club and RS-GYM, expressed overwhelming joy about achieving two-sport championship status.

“I feel amazing. I’m feeling incredible. In other words, it just feels amazing, incredible. Very happy, very happy,” Stella Hemetsberger said.

The historic accomplishment establishes Hemetsberger among ONE Championship’s most accomplished female strikers. Her rapid ascension from promotional debut in 2024 to two-sport queen in just over one year showcases exceptional talent and dedication.

Two-Sport Queen Stella Hemetsberger Highlights Five-Round Superiority

Stella Hemetsberger admitted how the absence of knockdowns allowed her to show sustained excellence across all five rounds. The Austrian champion believes the kickboxing rematch proved her overall superiority.

“It was a different fight from the first fight because in the first fight, the knockdowns had a big influence in the fight. But I think in this fight, I could show that over five rounds, I was the better fighter,” Hemetsberger explained.

Her perfect 5-0 promotional record now includes victories in both Muay Thai and Kickboxing World Title fights. The Salzburg native’s versatility across striking disciplines creates advantages that separate her from single-sport specialists.

Champion Opens Door to All Challengers

Looking ahead to potential title defenses, Stella Hemetsberger declined to call out specific opponents, but she acknowledged the difficulty of every title fight. The two-sport queen expressed willingness to face any challenger the organization presents.
“
I don’t like to call out any names. I think anyone who will come along my way to fight me, to challenge me for the belt will be a strong challenge for sure. There are no easy fights as a champion. We’ll see whatever comes, I’ll put in the work and put on another great fight again,” she said.

Stella Hemetsberger’s ability to defeat the same opponent under both Muay Thai and kickboxing rules validates her technical superiority while cementing her legacy as Austria’s greatest combat sports export.