By Katareena Roska
DENVER, COLORADO - There are people who have a special kind of moxie to them — an inexplicable spark that’s like drawing moths to a flame. Jackie Buntan, a Filipino-American fighter from Southern California, is undoubtedly one of those people.
Entering the ring with a graffiti-style banner on the jumbo-tron behind her as her entrance song That Thing by Lauryn Hill blared through the speakers, the crowd was instantly electrified.
Standing at a modest 5-4, Jackie Buntan may not intimidate with towering height, but she more than makes up for it with firepower.
Against Australian Diandra Martin in ONE Fighting Championship's first US card, Jackie finished off her opponent who stood a good three inches taller in an explosive display of attacking prowess that lasted 2 minutes and 34 seconds.
The crowd chanted her name, but the fight was nothing but close.
Taking a stumble only once, Jackie cornered Diandra and delivered a stunning body and head combination, stupefying the Australian completely. The awe-inspiring moment was a testament to Buntan's unwavering rise in the ONE Fighting Championship.
While the rest of the combat sports world holds their breath and eagerly anticipates Jackie Buntan's next bout, we can be certain that she will continue to captivate audiences with her spunk.
Jackie’s dominance in the ring is not to be mistaken for any kind of frigidity however. Immediately after she emerged victorious she was found congratulating Diandra and her coach, smiling warmly to the camera and hugging her opponent.
“I don’t like seeing my opponents hurt, but I was more happy of all the work that was put in over the years,” says Jackie in an interview post fight.
With Jackie’s spirit, I expect to see some more hurt being dealt by her — with some grace, of course.
Welcome to the United States, ONE Championship.
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