Stella Hemetsberger was nonetheless strolling on clouds after her shock victory over Jackie Buntan at ONE Combat Evening 35 in Bangkok, a consequence that made her Austria’s first ONE Championship world champion.
The 26-year-old captured the vacant strawweight Muay Thai world title with a unanimous resolution in opposition to the division’s reigning kickboxing queen. It was a gruelling five-round contest that noticed Hemetsberger drop Buntan twice within the opening body earlier than holding off the Filipino-American’s relentless strain to safe the largest triumph of her profession.
“It nonetheless hasn’t sunk in 100 per cent,” Hemetsberger instructed the Put up. “It feels superb. This was my first time combating 5 rounds and doubtless the largest check of my profession thus far when it comes to opponent and talent stage. I’m pleased with how I carried out.”
The opening spherical proved pivotal. After being caught early and struggling a damaged nostril, Hemetsberger responded with heavy counter punches that floored Buntan.
From there, she managed the space and tempo to keep up her lead on the scorecards.
“I simply instructed myself I needed to get in there and placed on my recreation,” she mentioned. “There was no time for feeling out. I needed to remain composed, struggle sensible and present my expertise. In fact, a knockout would have been nice, however proving I can go toe-to-toe with the perfect over 5 rounds was additionally essential.”