Stella Hemetsberger stands on the verge of making Austrian combat sports history, but the reigning ONE Strawweight Muay Thai World Champion refuses to take anything for granted as she challenges Jackie Buntan for kickboxing gold on February 14.
The 27-year-old will face the Filipina-American in the main event of ONE Fight Night 40, pursuing the ONE Women's Strawweight Kickboxing World Championship that would make her a two-sport titleholder.
Hemetsberger's September 2025 unanimous decision victory over Buntan for the Muay Thai championship established her as Austria's first-ever ONE World Champion. Now she seeks to double that achievement by conquering a second striking discipline.
"Of course, beating Jackie gave me confidence. But I never get too confident in any position. This is a completely new fight for me. Jackie is a strong fighter, so I'm still very much aware that I have to put in the work to come out on top," Hemetsberger explained.
The measured perspective reflects understanding that September's Muay Thai victory may not translate directly to kickboxing success. Buntan will defend her title under rules that favor the 28-year-old's style, requiring Hemetsberger to adjust her approach accordingly.
The prospect of joining the exclusive club of two-sport ONE World Champions drives Hemetsberger's preparation for this title challenge.
"Becoming a two-sport World Champion is my main motivation for this fight. It'll be nice to have another beautiful belt," the Austrian stated simply.
Victory would accomplish what no Austrian fighter has achieved before while placing Hemetsberger among the sport's most versatile strikers who have conquered multiple disciplines. The historic significance provides powerful motivation beyond simply adding another trophy.
"The ideal ending would always be a knockout. But my main focus is winning that fight and putting on a good performance. If the chance for a knockout comes in this fight, I'd be very happy," she revealed.
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