Jackie Buntan looks to be ready to come and take her place as one of the best strikers on the planet today.

The Filipina-American striker is coming off back-to-back wins in ONE and was scheduled to challenge ONE Women’s Strawweight Muay Thai World Champion Smilla Sundell in a rematch last year.

Jackie Buntan’s on her layoff from the sport

The fight against Smilla Sundell did not push through, as Buntan, unfortunately, had to deal with some personal matters. In an interview with Sportskeeda MMA, the 26-year-old said she would like to keep her issues private, but admitted that taking the time off helped her re-center herself.

“I think taking that time off was just being honest with myself and being selfish with decisions. I think within sports, especially within combat sports, the mindset is to keep going no matter what, which is true. But there’s times when you do have to take a pause and that was like a big moment in my life that I actually listened to myself,” said Buntan.

“I’m actually really grateful I took some time off because it brought me into this new year super refreshed, super motivated, super hungry, hence the reason why I wanted it to be a very busy and active year. Like I said earlier, just ready to get back in there.”

After turning down a World Title fight last year, it would appear to make sense that she would cash in on the opportunity upon her return. However, the Boxing Works product is in no hurry, and she wants to start off with a three-round fight just to get back into the thick of things.

Also read: “I’m Not Intimidated By Him” – Superlek Kiatmoo9 Unfazed By What Takeru Segawa Has To Offer In Upcoming Matchup

The Filipina American’s plan to start off the year

However, she is looking to fulfill a goal that she had since joining the world’s largest martial arts organization once she gets her first match in the books this year.

“Just with the time off and stuff, again I’d love an active year and really being selfish this year and taking the fights that I want. I want to be able to get maybe a three-round fight in, just get back in the ring and then after that, go into kickboxing or whatnot,” said Buntan.

“I’ve been asking for it since being signed – the kickboxing division in strawweight is pretty much non-existent, so I’d love to get a match in for kickboxing even if it’s just a three-round fight just to get back in there, really.”

Jackie Buntan seems to be more determined than ever before coming into 2024. How do you think that the Filipina-American will perform this year? Will she win the ONE Championship kickboxing title this year? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.

Also Read: “My Mindset Changed” – Takeru Segawa Opens Up On the Significance of Training in Thailand