The ONE Women’s Strawweight Muay Thai World Champion challenges Jackie Buntan for the ONE Women’s Strawweight Kickboxing World Title on A Fighting Night 40 on Friday, February 13 at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Hemetsberger spearheads their rivalry after a five-round performance against the Filipino-American at ONE Fight Night 35 last September. She dropped Buntan twice in the opening round with short counters that completely changed the momentum. The unanimous decision secured her place in Austrian martial arts history. Her professional record of 9-1 speaks of rapid development.
But the 27-year-old refuses to walk into Bangkok overconfident, despite proving she can beat Buntan. Champions adapt after losses. The representative of RS-Gym and Phuket Fight Club expects that an improved and motivated hunt for buntans will regain the psychological edge. That reality keeps her grounded during a rigorous nine-week camp in Phuket, completely focused on the kickboxing style.
She trains under Kru Farsahtan, boxing coach Gabriel Iuri and strength coach Robert Eckschlager and has honed every tool. The preparation mirrors her Muay Thai camps with tactical adjustments for the different rhythm of kickboxing. The top condition arrived right on schedule.
“I spent most of the fight camp here at the Phuket Fight Club,” she said. “In total, it should be nine weeks here by the time of the fight. We have been focusing on the kickboxing style, but my training routine is similar to all my Muay Thai camps. The main coaches for this camp were my Muay Thai coach, Kru Farsahtan, our boxing coach here, Gabriel Iuri, and my strength and conditioning coach at home, Robert Eckschlager. They have all made sure I am in top condition for this fight.”
Stella Hemetsberger sees versatility as her greatest weapon
Hemetsberger’s motivation requires no complex explanation. Two-sport champion status represents the ultimate validation in all disciplines. Only two women have captured world titles in multiple notable arts under the ONE Championship banner. The Austrian could join Stamp Fairtex and Janet Todd in that exclusive area.
The dream fuels every moment of this grueling camp. Becoming Austria’s first ONE champion meant everything. Adding a second title in another discipline would cement her legacy as an elite in multiple martial arts. That image constantly plays in her head.
“I am very excited to showcase my skills to the world and am absolutely thrilled to have another huge opportunity to showcase my abilities in another discipline,” she said. “Above all, becoming a world champion in two sports is my main motivation for this fight. It will be nice to have a nice title again. I don’t visualize too much, but yes, the ideal process is that my hand goes up again at the end of it all.”
Hemetsberger expects a different Buntan than the one she faced last September. That opening round in which she scored two knockdowns changed everything. Kickboxing rules fundamentally change the approach. The 27-year-old is preparing for another tough fight, regardless of her previous success.
Victory is more important than method. A knockout would be ideal. But dominating over five rounds works just as well. What gives her confidence is versatility. Her Muay Thai acuity enhances her kickboxing arsenal. Her kickboxing precision complements traditional clinching work. Everything works together.
“My advantage in kickboxing is my versatility,” she said. “My kickboxing skills complement my Muay Thai game, and vice versa. I like to use my kicks. I like to use my hands, and I like to put that all together. So I think that will be my advantage over Jackie.”
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