Stella Hemetsberger`s remarkable journey through ONE Championship culminated in a world title victory over Jackie Buntan. Over five intense rounds, Hemetsberger bravely traded blows with the promotion`s kickboxing champion, Buntan, securing the ONE Strawweight Muay Thai World Title. This historic achievement made Hemetsberger the first Austrian to win gold in ONE Championship, though her victory was hard-fought.
Buntan immediately made her presence felt in the opening round, landing her signature right hand that broke Hemetsberger`s nose. Blood instantly flowed from Hemetsberger`s nostrils, yet she remained focused and dropped her Filipina-American opponent twice – missing a spinning kick but following up with a quick right-hand punch for two knockdowns.
The Austrian gained an early lead on the scorecards, but Buntan regained her composure and spent the next two rounds systematically targeting her opponent`s nose. She deftly dodged kicks, then surged forward with a left hook and her characteristic right cross, further damaging Hemetsberger`s facial area.
Despite her injuries, Hemetsberger maintained her relentless pace. In the fourth round, she effectively leveraged her size advantage, connecting with extended jabs, hook shots, straight kicks, and powerful kicks to the legs and body. In the fifth and final round, Buntan narrowed the gap with her skilled boxing, but the Austrian adhered to her game plan, ultimately clinching a historic unanimous decision victory.
Tye Ruotolo Dominates Teen Prodigy Adrian Lee
The undercard showcased the brilliant MMA debut of ONE Welterweight Submission Grappling World Champion, Tye Ruotolo. This Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu phenom demonstrated his impressive striking, stamina, and fight IQ, proving his readiness for the comprehensive sport by defeating the previously undefeated teen sensation, Adrian “The Phenom” Lee.
Lee entered the contest with a flawless 3-0 record, a 100% finishing rate, and extensive training experience alongside his elder sister, former atomweight queen Angela, and his elder brother, reigning two-division king Christian.
From the opening bell, both fighters set a furious pace, each determined to secure a takedown. The 22-year-old Californian eventually brought Lee to the ground, passed into his opponent`s guard, and rained down strikes on his Hawaiian adversary, who frequently attempted to tie him up and landed upkicks.
“The Phenom” managed to scramble out of the position at the very end of the round, bringing the fight back to the feet, where he was expected to hold an advantage. However, Ruotolo skillfully pieced him up with sharp punches and even incorporated some head kicks.
In the second round, the two young talents exchanged explosive boxing combinations, occasionally integrating kicks. Approximately two minutes in, Ruotolo executed a powerful double-leg takedown on Lee.
From that point, it was a systematic progression. Ruotolo smoothly transitioned to full mount, prompting Lee to desperately try to escape. As the Hawaiian teenager returned to his feet, he exposed his back, leading to a barrage of strikes, another takedown, and ultimately, a submission via choke.
