The 26-year-old Austrian sensation didn’t just capture the vacant ONE women’s strawweight Muay Thai world championship — she blazed a trail no athlete from her country had ever walked.
Inside Bangkok’s legendary Lumpinee Stadium on September 5, Hemetsberger faced the defining test of her professional career against one of the sport’s most accomplished champions. Buntan brought elite striking credentials and experience to their five-round title contest, but the Austrian underdog came prepared with meticulous game planning and unwavering determination.
The early rounds showcased Hemetsberger’s tactical preparation at its finest. Her team at Phuket Fight Club had identified a crucial weakness in Buntan’s defensive habits, recognizing her tendency to lean back when avoiding head kicks. That analysis translated into two stunning knockdowns via perfectly timed short punches that immediately shifted momentum.
“Getting a knockdown and then two knockdowns gives confidence, but I think I felt confident before the fight as well, trusting in my abilities and trusting in my team,” Hemetsberger said.
But championship contests rarely follow early scripts, and Buntan’s veteran experience soon became evident. The California-based striker weathered the storm and began unleashing her trademark combinations in the middle rounds, gradually shifting the contest’s momentum and testing Hemetsberger’s resolve.
This moment revealed the Austrian’s character. Rather than coasting on her early advantage, Hemetsberger embraced the challenge and found another level of intensity when the competition demanded it most.
“I was just trying to stay calm, listen to my corner and whatever she comes with at me, still be ready to put on a good fight, to counter that back, and still follow the plan,” she explained.
“I just tried to put my heart in there and do everything I’m capable of.”
That heart proved decisive. Hemetsberger’s willingness to match Buntan’s intensity while maintaining tactical discipline earned every second of her unanimous decision victory and established her as a legitimate champion rather than just a fortunate winner.
The achievement carries significance beyond personal accomplishment. As Austria’s first contracted ONE Championship athlete and now its first ONE World Champion, Hemetsberger has created a platform for her country’s martial arts development.
“It feels amazing to represent my country here in ONE Championship, showing in Thailand that I’m from Austria, Europe,” she said.
“I also hope that it will help to give the sport more publicity and more audience back home as well.”
Already, Hemetsberger is eyeing her next challenge. Having conquered Muay Thai, she’s expressed interest in a kickboxing rematch with Buntan, seeking to claim gold in both disciplines.
“I’m coming from kickboxing, and I do have way more experience in kickboxing as well,” she said.
“I’m still hungry. I’m always hungry.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RvgcuiuRgU
