The 27-year-old became Austria’s first two-sport ONE world champion after beating Buntan in their rematch. Stella Hemetsberger claimed the strawweight Muay Thai crown last September by defeating the Californian via unanimous decision in a fight in which first-round knockdowns played a major role.
This recent kickboxing title battle proved even closer when the judges delivered a split decision after five rounds of technical excellence. Stella Hemetsberger joins Thai megastar Stamp Fairtex and American legend Janet Todd as the only female strikers to capture dual-sport glory in ONE Championship.
Stella Hemetsberger enjoys historic achievements in two sports
Speaking immediately after her victory, a delighted Hemetsberger struggled to contain her emotions about capturing her second world title in several high-profile disciplines. The superstar, who represents Phuket Fight Club and RS-GYM, expressed his overwhelming joy at achieving dual-sport championship status.
“I feel great. I feel incredible. In other words, it just feels great, incredible. Very happy, very happy,” said Stella Hemetsberger.
This historic achievement makes Hemetsberger one of ONE Championship’s most talented female strikers. Her rapid progression from promotional debut in 2024 to two-sport queen in just over a year is a testament to exceptional talent and dedication.
Two-Sport Queen Stella Hemetsberger emphasizes superiority in five rounds
Stella Hemetsberger admitted how the absence of knockdowns allowed her to show sustained excellence in all five rounds. The Austrian champion believes the kickboxing rematch has proven her overall superiority.
“It was a different fight than the first fight because in the first fight the knockdowns had a big impact on the fight. But I think in this fight I was able to show that I was the better fighter over five rounds,” Hemetsberger explained.
Her perfect 5-0 promotional record now includes wins in both Muay Thai and Kickboxing world title fights. The Salzburg native’s versatility in notable disciplines creates advantages that set her apart from specialists in one sport.
Champion opens the door for all challengers
Looking ahead to potential title defenses, Stella Hemetsberger declined to call out specific opponents, but she acknowledged the difficulty of any title fight. The two-sport queen showed herself prepared to face any challenger the organization presents.
“
I don’t like to name names. I think anyone who comes my way to fight me, to challenge me for the title, will definitely be a strong challenge. There are no easy fights as a champion. We’ll see whatever happens, I’ll do my best and put up another great fight,” she said.
Stella Hemetsberger’s ability to defeat the same opponent under both Muay Thai and kickboxing rules confirms her technical superiority while cementing her legacy as Austria’s greatest martial arts export.
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