For Filipino-American striker Jackie Buntan to catch ONE Friday Fights in California, she has to wake up before most people brew their first cup of coffee.
But based on the shows that have taken place over the past few months at the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, getting up early to catch the action has certainly been worth it.
“I think they’re doing a great job with ONE Friday Fights. They’re putting out a bunch of firefights, at least every card I’ve seen,” she said. “I think it’s really cool that they’re able to showcase a bigger portion of Muay Thai and Muay Thai alone. And you’re able to see foreigners there as well, along with the Thais. I think it’s all good for the sport.
“[The finishing rate] is insane. And that just goes to show the quality of athletes and the craziness of Muay Thai and what that can bring.”
She’ll definitely have her eyes glued on the screen this Friday, 26 May, when her former tormentor in ONE Women’s Strawweight Muay Thai World Champion Smilla “The Hurricane” Sundell takes on Milana Bjelogrlic in a kickboxing bout at ONE Friday Fights 18.
Buntan and Sundell fought for the once-vacant Women’s Strawweight Muay Thai World Title, with the Swede outclassing the Filipino-American in their championship tilt.
With Sundell on this week’s card, it certainly gives Buntan more incentive to wake up early and watch her old foe compete again.
“It definitely adds a star factor, and it adds more eyes to the show and to the promotion itself,” she said.
“I think people who now know about ONE Championship just think of what you see on Amazon Prime. But I think they’re in for a surprise and a treat that these same stars are able to compete on ONE Friday Fights.”
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