Wondergirl Aiming For MMA Debut, Muay Thai Rematch With Buntan
Striking sensation Wondergirl Fairtex is eagerly awaiting her chance to compete in a new sport, but she also has unfinished business in “the art of eight limbs.”
“That’s why I came to train at Fairtex, because I want to fight in MMA,” Wondergirl says.
“I haven’t fought in MMA yet, only in Muay Thai and [two] BJJ tournaments. If I have the chance to fight in MMA, I will fight anyone. But if [I’m fighting in] Muay Thai, I want to rematch with Jackie [Buntan].”
The 22-year-old Thai squared off against Buntan at ONE: FISTS OF FURY in February, and after getting knocked down in the first stanza, she never quite got back into the battle.
The American ultimately took home a dominant unanimous decision victory, but Wondergirl believes she could do much better if they meet for a second time.
“Jackie Buntan, congratulations on your last two bouts,” the Thai offers.
“You did a great job. I just want to say that now I am on [my way to] recovery, and it would be an honor to rematch with you. You’re a good fighter.”
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Before facing Buntan, Wondergirl’s first two bouts on the global stage showcased her aggression and finishing power.
The Thai knocked out Brooke Farrell in just 81 seconds at ONE: NO SURRENDER III and then finished KC Carlos in the second round at ONE: A NEW BREED.
However, she did not look the same after the knockdown from Buntan.
“There was a little mistake [from me], but big enough that the punch [hit me in my eye] and I couldn’t see anything,” Wondergirl says.
“If I have [a rematch], I need to work on my cardio, I need to [have a new] game plan, everything. But it’s okay. It’s good. I can lose and learn. The rematch is okay.”
While she is not back at full throttle, the Fairtex fighter has dialed up the intensity of her training again – both to push for a rematch in Muay Thai and to prepare for her mixed martial arts debut.
The time away also allowed Wondergirl to deal with some other nagging injuries so she can regain peak form before stepping back into the Circle.
“It was hard because I still wanted to train like usual – not go easy. That was kind of a bit boring,” she says.
“But it was good for my recovery – not just [my face], but my shoulder and every injury just healed up because I took a rest.”
Read more: Building The Perfect Muay Thai Fighter From ONE Superstars
