In the high-stakes world of combat sports, motivations can be as varied as the fighters themselves. For some, it`s the roar of the crowd; for others, the allure of gold. But for Jackie Buntan, a Filipino-American phenom already holding a ONE Championship strawweight kickboxing world title, her upcoming challenge for the Muay Thai world title against Austria’s Stella Hemetsberger at Bangkok’s revered Lumpinee Stadium is fueled by something far more profound: the enduring memory of her late father.
The Weight of a Crown, The Weight of a Loss
Buntan is not new to the global stage. Her formidable skill has already earned her a coveted championship belt. Yet, the past year has been a tumultuous blend of triumph and tragedy. December saw her celebrate the biggest victory of her career, a unanimous decision over the legendary Anissa Meksen, cementing her status as a kickboxing world champion. A moment of unparalleled professional elation, tragically, was swiftly followed by a period of profound personal sorrow: the untimely passing of her father, Jessie Buntan.
This stark juxtaposition of immense joy and heartbreaking loss has fundamentally reshaped Buntan`s perspective. Where once the pursuit of glory might have been a singular, almost “selfish” endeavor, now it carries the silent weight of a purpose greater than herself. She steps into the ring not just as a fighter, but as a living testament to her father`s memory.
Grief as a Motivator: A Champion`s Evolving `Why`
The combat sports arena, with its singular focus on individual performance, often fosters an intensely personal drive. “Combat sports, sports when it`s just you in there, it`s a very selfish, selfish sport,” Buntan candidly admits. “You have no one else to blame but you, and you`re honestly doing it for yourself, and that`s kind of how I was up until a year ago when I lost my father. And that`s my reason why now.”
This declaration marks a significant evolution in her athletic journey. The fight against Hemetsberger for the Muay Thai belt is no longer merely about adding another title to her collection. It is a heartfelt tribute, a relentless pursuit of excellence imbued with the spirit of her father`s legacy. It`s a poignant reminder that even in the most physically demanding disciplines, the deepest reservoirs of strength can be found in the human heart, rather than just the brawn.
Sharing the Invisible Battle
Grief, as Buntan describes it, is an unpredictable journey, a “trip” that comes in “different waves” and “different emotions,” often surfacing at the “weirdest times.” This candid acknowledgment of her ongoing struggle is itself a display of immense courage. Traditionally, Buntan has kept her private life meticulously separate from her public persona, letting her impressive fight record speak volumes. However, the depth of her recent loss compelled her to break this silence.
“It was important to share it,” she explained, “so other people who`ve had similar journeys or are experiencing it know that they`re not alone. Anybody in any walk of life can experience this, unfortunately. I know there are fans, people who follow me, who have that same experience that I had.”
In sharing her vulnerability, Buntan transforms her personal pain into a platform for connection and empathy, demonstrating that a true champion`s strength extends beyond physical prowess to encompass emotional resilience and a profound sense of community.
A Father`s Pride, Quietly Earned
Jessie Buntan`s journey as a combat sports father was, in its own way, as evolving as his daughter`s career. Initially, he harbored a understandable apprehension about his child participating in such a brutal sport. The thought of her getting hurt was often too much to bear, leading him to rarely watch her fights live – a touching irony for a man who would become her most steadfast supporter.
However, as Jackie`s star began to ascend within ONE Championship, particularly after her breakout win against Nat `Wondergirl` Jaroonsak in 2021, his skepticism transformed into immense pride. Seeing her achievements splashed across news channels in the Philippines, he realized the magnitude of her accomplishments. “For me, it was like: `Oh my God, this is big. I`m in ONE.` But for him, he`s like: `Oh, my God, I saw you on ABS-CBN`, this news channel in the Philippines. That`s when he realized: `she`s a star,`” Buntan fondly recalls.
With each victory, his initial anxieties subsided, replaced by a quiet confidence in her ability not just to survive, but to truly thrive in the ring. His unseen support, a consistent bedrock, now forms the very foundation of her renewed purpose.
The Battle Ahead
As Jackie Buntan prepares to step into the iconic Lumpinee Stadium, the world will watch a fighter at the peak of her powers, aiming for dual-sport glory. But for Buntan, this fight is more than a title defense or a new acquisition. It is a powerful narrative woven from grief, resilience, and an unbreakable familial bond. It is the story of a champion finding a new, profound reason to fight, carrying not just the hopes of her fans, but the eternal pride of her father, into every punch and kick.
Marcus Bellamy