Champion Chases Double Gold Against Jackie Buntan on February 13

Reigning ONE Women’s Strawweight Muay Thai World Champion Stella Hemetsberger is eager to capture double gold when she challenges Filipino-American titleholder Jackie Buntan for the kickboxing crown. The high-stakes showdown headlines ONE Fight Night 40 on Friday, February 13, at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

The 27-year-old Austrian is coming off a September 2025 unanimous decision victory over Buntan in their battle for the vacant ONE Women’s Strawweight Muay Thai World Title. That win made Hemetsberger her nation’s first-ever ONE World Champion.

Stella Hemetsberger brings a 9-1 record, including four promotional wins, into this kickboxing title challenge. The 28-year-old Buntan captured inaugural kickboxing gold in November 2024 with a victory over striking great Anissa Meksen, and the match at ONE Fight Night 40 marks her first title defense.

Austrian Champion Stella Hemetsberger Stays Grounded Despite Previous Victory

Despite defeating Buntan in their Muay Thai encounter, Stella Hemetsberger isn’t taking anything for granted heading into the rematch. The Phuket Fight Club representative clarified treating this shot at double gold as a completely new challenge requiring full preparation.

“Of course, beating Jackie gave me confidence. But I never get too confident in any position. This is a completely new fight for me. Jackie is a strong fighter, so I’m still very much aware that I have to put in the work to come out on top,” Stella Hemetsberger stated.

Stella Hemetsberger made her promotional debut in 2024 and captured the belt in less than a year. Her rapid ascension from newcomer to ONE World Champion showcases the exceptional talent she brings into this kickboxing title challenge.

Double Gold Drives Austrian’s Championship Motivation

The Salzburg native revealed that her primary motivation is achieving double gold status. The Austrian expressed excitement about showcasing her skills across multiple striking disciplines on the global stage.

“I’m really excited to show my skills to the world and absolutely happy that I have another massive chance to show my abilities in another discipline. Above everything else, becoming a two-sport World Champion is my main motivation for this fight. It’ll be nice to have another beautiful belt,” Hemetsberger said.

A victory would establish Stella Hemetsberger among ONE Championship’s elite two-sport titleholders. The 27-year-old would join an exclusive group of athletes who have captured World Titles across multiple striking disciplines, like Stamp Fairtex and Janet Todd.

Stella Hemetsberger Prioritizes Victory Over Spectacular Finish

The Austrian acknowledged her preference for knockout victories, although she insisted overall performance and winning are her primary objectives. Hemetsberger made clear she’ll take whatever finish presents itself during their five-round clash.

“The ideal ending would always be a knockout, of course. But my main focus is winning that fight and putting on a good performance. If the chance for a knockout comes in this fight, I’d be very happy. If not, my focus is on being the better fighter across five rounds,” Hemetsberger explained.

The pursuit of double gold creates compelling storyline. Buntan was chasing the same goal when she challenged for the Muay Thai crown in September, only to fall short against the Austrian sensation.

ONE Fight Night 40 airs live on Prime Video on Friday, February 13. The action begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. The event is free for all Amazon Prime subscribers in the U.S. and Canada.