Anissa Meksen is as decorated as they come. However, ONE Championship gold has eluded her since her arrival in 2021. On Nov. 8, she’ll have an opportunity to change that against Jackie Buntan when they meet for the inaugural ONE Women’s Strawweight Kickboxing Title at ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug.
And Meksen is clear that gold is the driving force heading into her historic match inside Bangkok, Thailand’s Lumpinee Stadium.
“It’s the inaugural belt. It’s history. It really will be amazing to get this title,” Meksen said to ONE.
“It’s my dream. It’s my goal. It’s everything to me. If I take the belt, it will be the best moment of my career for sure.”
Meksen is making sure she is in peak form for the five-round contest, as she has been calling for a title shot since her arrival in ONE three years ago.
When she got the call to compete for the inaugural strawweight kickboxing crown, “C18” found renewed motivation and began to pour out every ounce of energy she has into the gym to ensure she’s as prepared as can be for the talented American.
“I’ve been waiting four years for this, and that’s why my motivation is very high. I really want to take this belt,” Meksen commented.
“For sure, I will win. I’ve trained hard now for one month and a half. I’m in the best shape, and I’m ready to fight. I have pushed a lot during every training session. It’s my time.”
Buntan will be an interesting challenge for the French-Algerian. A natural strawweight, her power may be a factor.
The American has showcased her cracking punches through her time in ONE Championship, but Meksen is confident she can stand toe-to-toe with the Boxing Works star.
“She is complete, and she has good boxing. That’s why I have trained a lot of boxing and everything. My camp is the same every time, but of course, I adapt my style against my opponent,” she said.
“She is very strong, but at my level, every opponent is strong. I have faced a lot of strong opponents. For me, it’s not new.”
While moving up in weight could lead many to think there will be a size disadvantage for “C18,” she assures everyone that she’ll be better than ever.
The 36-year-old hasn’t had to deal with any weight issues and has added more strength in preparation for the physicality of her opponent. Therefore, she’ll likely arrive in Bangkok ready for an all-out war on Nov. 8.
“It’s my natural weight, so I haven’t had to care about weight or my diet or anything like that. I’ve just stayed focused on my training. I’ve just put on a little bit of muscle for more power, but that’s it,” Meksen said.
“I’m in my best shape now. I’ve trained hard, and everything is perfect.”
ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug airs live and free on Prime Video on Friday, Nov. 8, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT to all Amazon Prime subscribers in the U.S. and Canada.