Aside from the strawweight muay thai title in mind, Filipino-American Jackie Buntan is fighting for women representation in sports once she steps into the Circle anew in the historic all-female card in ONE: Empower on Friday, Sep. 3 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
Buntan, who is representing both the United States and the Philippines, said she felt honored having been part of the ONE: Empower card which features the inaugural women's atomweight grand prix as well as the strawweight mixed martial arts championship match between Xiong Jin Nan of China and Michelle Nicolini of Brazil.
"It would give a lot, not only to women all over the world but especially to the women and the little girls in the Philippines that women are capable of anything they put their mind to," said the 23-year-old Buntan when asked about the recent Olympic feat of gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz heading into the Circle. "And I only hope that they feel encouraged by that after watching Friday night's show."
It was only in February when Buntan made her promotional debut, scoring a convincing unanimous decision win against Thai rising star Wondergirl Fairtex.
She continued her winning ways after dominating Ekaterina Vandaryeva of Belarus in a majority decision victory.
Apart from Buntan, Denice Zamboanga, the No. 1 atomweight contender, will also compete in the tournament against seasoned South Korean opponent Seo Hee Ham.
Buntan, of Filipino descent, couldn't ask for more having a compatriot also fighting in the same event, saying "the more, the merrier."
Awaiting for Buntan in the Circle is Argentine slugger Daniela Lopez, the twin sister of No. 5 atomweight muay thai contender Milagros.
"She’s a come-forward, clinch type of fighter and that’s pretty much all I know about them," said the Fil-Am striker from Boxing Works of Lopez. "You know she’s definitely a game competitor, her experience shows and regardless, you know she’s a serious competitor in that division."