5 Burning Questions Ahead Of ONE Fight Night 40: Buntan Vs. Hemetsberger II On Prime Video
The world’s largest martial arts organization continues its 2026 U.S. primetime calendar with ONE Fight Night 40: Buntan vs. Hemetsberger II on Prime Video.
Broadcasting live from Bangkok’s legendary Lumpinee Stadium on Friday, February 13, the card features ONE Women’s Strawweight Kickboxing World Champion Jackie Buntan defending her title against heated rival and divisional Muay Thai queen Stella “Always Hungry” Hemetsberger.
Aside from the highly anticipated rematch in the main event, the nine-fight card delivers high-stakes drama across MMA, Muay Thai, kickboxing, and submission grappling.
With ONE World Championship implications and career-defining moments at stake, here are five burning questions surrounding ONE Fight Night 40.
#1 Can Buntan Get Her Revenge?
Jackie Buntan stood on the cusp of two-sport glory when she challenged for the vacant ONE Women’s Strawweight Muay Thai World Title at ONE Fight Night 35 last September.
However, Hemetsberger had other plans. The Austrian underdog unleashed ballistic right hands that sent the Filipina-American crashing to the canvas twice in the opening round. Riding that explosive momentum, Hemetsberger battled toward a unanimous decision victory and made history as Austria’s first ONE World Champion.
Despite fighting valiantly after the knockdowns and establishing her rhythm as the bout progressed, Buntan still came up short.
The Boxing Works affiliate went back to the drawing board immediately, studying every moment of the setback. Now, the opportunity for revenge has arrived, but the stakes are even higher and the roles have reversed.
Hemetsberger chases two-sport dominance by taking Buntan’s kickboxing strap, while the defending queen stands ready to protect what’s hers.
Under kickboxing rules, the dynamics shift entirely. Buntan aims to showcase her technical precision while neutralizing Hemetsberger’s height and reach advantages that troubled her last time.
With 26 pounds of gold on the line and pride demanding satisfaction, the reigning ruler enters with everything to prove.
#2 Who Will Emerge As The Featherweight Muay Thai Division’s Most Exciting Finisher?
Sparks will fly when the ONE Interim Featherweight Muay Thai World Title is contested in the co-main event.
Nico “King of the North” Carrillo‘s relentless pressure collides with Shadow Singha Mawynn‘s surgical precision striking. The contrast in styles promises fireworks.
Carrillo owns a perfect 100 percent finishing rate against elite opposition, including former ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Nong-O Hama. His most recent victory over Luke “The Chef” Lessei at ONE Fight Night 37 showcased his ability to weather adversity before unleashing destruction.
The Scottish powerhouse thrives in close quarters, detonating dynamite through unforgiving barrages that overwhelm opponents.
While Shadow may lack the same explosive fury, his methodical approach proves equally lethal.
The 25-year-old Thai displayed otherworldly instincts with a highlight-reel spinning backfist knockout of Bampara Kouyate that left fans stunned.
For Carrillo, this represents redemption after his bantamweight title heartbreak. For Shadow, it marks the culmination of his inspiring rise.
The winner claims interim supremacy and a future unification bout against divisional king Tawanchai PK Saenchai once he returns from injury.
#3 Who Could Become The Next Contenders?
Two Brazilian stars will look to represent their nation with pride when Gabriela “Gabi” Fujimoto and Lucas Gabriel step into the ring this Friday for their respective bouts.
Both face stern tests against experienced opponents, but victories would announce their arrival as legitimate threats in their divisions.
Fujimoto enters her promotional debut carrying significant hype behind an unblemished 7-0 record. The KO Squad product showcases polished striking complemented by a dangerous ground game that has overwhelmed every opponent.
Standing in her way is one of the atomweight MMA division’s most respected veterans. Jihin “Shadow Cat” Radzuan has fought elite competition throughout her career and possesses the experience to expose any weakness.
Turning 23 on fight night, Fujimoto looks to celebrate with a statement victory on the global stage.
Meanwhile, the lightweight MMA showdown between Gabriel and Magomed Akaev finally materializes after two injury-related postponements.
The 26-year-old Brazilian has raced to a perfect 3-0 start in the promotion, blending elite BJJ mastery with continuously improving striking. His toughest challenge awaits against an undefeated Dagestani boasting strong wrestling credentials and an impressive 10-1 record.
An impressive showing could thrust Gabriel among the elite in the stacked lightweight division.
#4 Why Do Kingad and Black Panther Have The Most To Gain?
Danny “The King” Kingad and Black Panther arrive through vastly different paths, but both stand to benefit enormously from impressive performances.
Kingad has remained a fixture near the top of the flyweight MMA pantheon for years and has come close to 26 pounds of gold on multiple occasions. However, the division has evolved dramatically, and the Filipino veteran finds himself navigating a two-fight skid for the first time in his decorated career.
At 30 years old and returning from an extended layoff due to injury and family obligations, the father of two must prove he still belongs among the elite. Dangerous knockout specialist “Wolf Warrior” Hu Yong provides the perfect litmus test.
Meanwhile, Black Panther enters riding the best stretch of his career. After a devastating promotional debut loss, the Thai striker channeled that pain into a four-fight winning streak that has turned heads across the flyweight Muay Thai division.
Signature knockouts over Ali Saldoev and Johan “Panda Kick” Estupinan announced his arrival among the elite.
With the throne currently vacant, another spectacular finish against Diego Paez could cement his status as one of the division’s most dangerous contenders.
#5 Which Young Star Will Get His Promising Career Back On Track?
Adrian “The Phenom” Lee and Shozo “Great Teacher” Isojima carried supreme confidence after flawless starts to their MMA careers.
Now their paths collide in this pivotal lightweight MMA showdown after both suffered humbling setbacks.
Lee hails from MMA’s most respected dynasty. Under the guidance of his older brother, two-division ONE MMA World Champion Christian “The Warrior” Lee, the 19-year-old phenom blitzed through his first three opponents with spectacular finishes.
That momentum halted abruptly last September when ONE Welterweight Submission Grappling World Champion Tye Ruotolo submitted him in an exhilarating clash.
On the other side, Isojima notched a spotless 6-0 record and earned a $50,000 performance bonus in his promotional debut. But the Japanese standout ran into a brick wall at ONE 173, where he met the same fate as Lee.
Remarkably, Ruotolo shattered both undefeated records via a rear-naked choke.
Now these supremely talented stars meet, each desperate to prove their first loss was merely a learning experience.
Both possess ONE World Championship-level potential, but only one can reignite his ascent in the stacked lightweight division.
