Austrian striker Stella Hemetsberger made history by becoming her country’s first-ever ONE World Champion, defeating reigning kickboxing queen Jackie Buntan to capture the ONE Women’s Strawweight Muay Thai World Championship in a hard-fought unanimous decision victory.
The 26-year-old Salzburg native from Phuket Fight Club delivered a masterful performance that showcased both her technical precision and championship heart at ONE Fight Night 35.
Hemetsberger’s path to victory was forged in the opening round, where she dropped the American champion twice with devastating right punches that immediately shifted the momentum of the five-round contest.
“Obviously getting two knockdowns give confidence, but I think I felt confident before the fight as well, and trusting in my abilities and trusting in my team, trusting in me. But the first two knockdowns helped to boost it,” Hemetsberger explained.
The Austrian’s preparation proved crucial as she executed her game plan to perfection against one of the sport’s most decorated strikers.
“As I said before the fight, we prepared for everything. I just tried to put my heart in there and do everything I’m capable of, and I’m very happy it played out that way,” she revealed.
Despite Buntan’s valiant efforts in the later rounds, the early damage proved decisive as all three judges scored the bout in favour of the challenger, crowning Austria’s first ONE Champion.
The victory represents more than just personal achievement for Hemetsberger, who takes pride in her pioneering role for Austrian martial arts.
“I’m the first contracted fighter in ONE Championship [from Austria], and now I’m the first Austrian to win a ONE Championship belt. It feels amazing to represent my country here in ONE Championship,” she declared.
Looking ahead, the newly crowned champion has ambitious plans to expand her reign across multiple disciplines.
“I actually would like to give myself a go in kickboxing rules as well if I get the chance and the opportunity too,” Hemetsberger stated.
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