Stella Hemetsberger's Next Move: A Potential Departure from Expected Trilogy

The anticipated rubber match in a pivotal rivalry may not materialize as expected, following Stella Hemetsberger's latest victory.

Stella Hemetsberger successfully defended her ONE Women's Strawweight Muay Thai World Title by knocking out Natalia Diachkova in the third round at ONE Fight Night 46. The event took place on Friday, August 14th, live from Bangkok's Lumpinee Stadium and was broadcast on Prime Video. This win extended her undefeated record in ONE Championship to a flawless 6-0 and also secured her a US$50,000 performance bonus for the decisive finish.

With her record now standing at 1-0 against Diachkova, the focus naturally shifts to Jackie Buntan, the former ONE Women's Strawweight Kickboxing World Champion. Hemetsberger had previously defeated Buntan twice on her journey to becoming a two-sport champion. However, Hemetsberger appears in no hurry to face Buntan for a third time.

"Honestly, after being up 2-0, I suppose we have a clear outcome regarding that rivalry. Jackie is a skilled fighter. I imagine she will compete again in ONE, and we'll see what happens. Perhaps at some point in the future, but right now, after achieving a 2-0 record, maybe another opponent next," she stated.

Stella Hemetsberger Rules Out MMA for Now

Furthermore, Hemetsberger has dismissed any immediate plans for a transition to mixed martial arts, despite her growing status as one of the sport's most dominant multi-discipline champions. Her commanding performances in both her current weight classes have already led to comparisons with Stamp Fairtex's remarkable three-sport achievement.

"MMA is not in my plans at the moment. I prefer to concentrate on the two disciplines I am already competing in. One should never say never, but for now, it is not part of my strategy," she commented.

For the time being, Hemetsberger indicates that she is content with simply choosing between her two existing disciplines for her next challenge, deferring both a potential trilogy bout with Buntan and any broader cross-discipline ambitions to a later date.

Stella Hemetsberger's Next Move: A Potential Departure from Expected Trilogy

The rivalry that once defined a division might not get its anticipated third chapter after all. Stella Hemetsberger successfully retained her ONE Women's Strawweight Muay Thai World Title with a third-round knockout victory over Natalia Diachkova at ONE Fight Night 46. The event aired live on Prime Video from Bangkok's Lumpinee Stadium on Friday, August 14th. This win marked her sixth consecutive victory in ONE Championship, maintaining a perfect 6-0 record, and earned her a US$50,000 performance bonus for the spectacular finish.

With the Diachkova rivalry now settled at 1-0, attention naturally turns to Jackie Buntan, the former ONE Women's Strawweight Kickboxing World Champion and the fighter Hemetsberger defeated twice en route to securing two-sport gold. However, Hemetsberger appears to be in no rush to engage in a third encounter.

"To be honest, after being up 2-0, I guess we have a dominant conclusion in that rivalry. Jackie is a good fighter; I assume she will fight again in ONE, and we'll see. Perhaps at some point in the future, but right now, after the 2-0 record, maybe some other opponent next," she remarked.

Stella Hemetsberger Rules Out MMA for Now

Hemetsberger has also put a stop to any near-term discussions about moving into mixed martial arts, despite her increasing credentials as one of the sport's most dominant two-sport champions. Comparisons to Stamp Fairtex's historic run across three sports have already begun to surface, given how thoroughly she has dominated both of her current divisions.

"MMA is not part of the plan right now. I prefer to focus on the two disciplines I am currently competing in. Never say never, but at this moment, it is not on my agenda," she stated.

For the present, Hemetsberger expresses satisfaction in simply choosing between her two existing disciplines for her next engagement, placing both a potential trilogy fight with Buntan and any larger cross-discipline aspirations on hold for a later date.