Jackie Buntan reveals “alter ego” ahead of ONE Fight Night 40

ONE Women’s Strawweight Kickboxing World Champion Jackie Buntan has mastered the art of knockout power inside the ring. Outside of competition, the Filipina-American has discovered an unexpected second career striking poses for fashion magazines rather than opponents.

Buntan defends her title against Muay Thai queen Stella Hemetsberger in the main event of ONE Fight Night 40 on Friday, February 13, broadcasting live in U.S. primetime from Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium. The 28-year-old California native has graced the pages of Vogue Philippines and Numéro Netherlands despite never planning a modeling career. High-fashion publications approached her organically.

Her path into modeling began during amateur competition in Southern California’s Muay Thai scene. Photographers from the local community transitioned into commercial work with major brands and magazines, creating opportunities for Buntan. She approaches every collaboration carefully, ensuring partnerships align with her personal brand and values. The most important consideration remains authenticity rather than simply chasing opportunities.

The scale of projects increased steadily. Buntan appeared in catalog shoots for women’s athletic brand Athleta before stepping into editorial fashion. That shift brought different expectations than athletic performance metrics. Fashion work focuses on mood, expression, and creative interpretation rather than measurable outcomes.

“It’s super fun. I think any girl you ask, they’re going to love playing dress up and like doing it in super expensive clothes and high fashion,” Buntan said. “You’re kind of like in a different world where you get to play pretend almost. So yeah, I think it’s fun. It’s like you get to live out another alter ego.”

Jackie Buntan reflects on surpassing childhood dreams

Jackie Buntan prepares to defend her ONE Women’s Strawweight Kickboxing World Title against Stella Hemetsberger in U.S. primetime this Friday at ONE Fight Night 40. The journey still feels surreal for the California native who started training at 11 years old. Professional fighting and championship belts never entered her radar back then, and modeling seemed even more distant.

The young girl simply loved going to the gym and throwing roundhouse kicks. Fun motivated her training rather than grand aspirations. Fighting professionally developed naturally over time rather than through childhood planning. The modeling opportunities came as complete surprises that fell into her lap through organic connections.

Everything Buntan has achieved exceeds what that 11-year-old girl could have imagined. ONE World Titles, fashion magazine spreads, and recognition as one of the sport’s top strikers represent accomplishments she never dared to dream about as a middle schooler. If she could travel back in time and tell her younger self what was coming, that little girl would be absolutely stunned by the success.

“I think young Jackie would be jaw-to-the-floor like, ‘What do you mean we’re doing all this? What do you mean? We’re fighting? What do you mean we’re a World Champion and we’re on Vogue? That’s crazy! That’s awesome!'” Buntan said.