Stella Hemetsberger Ready To Make History As Austria's First Two-Sport ONE World Champion In 2026

ONE Strawweight Muay Thai World Champion Stella Hemetsberger talks about achieving her championship dream in 2025 and outlines ambitious plans for 2026 that include becoming Austria's first-ever two-sport ONE World Champion when she challenges Jackie Buntan on Valentine's Day.

The 26-year-old enjoyed a perfect year in 2025, competing in three fights and winning all of them while climbing from contract winner to world champion in just five months.

Hemetsberger's secured a life-changing US$100,000 contract and main roster spot in ONE Championship with a spectacular knockout victory. In September, the Austrian sensation delivered the performance of her life by defeating Filipina-American superstar Jackie Buntan to claim the vacant ONE Strawweight

Muay Thai World Championship.

Looking back on 2025, the Austrian expressed deep satisfaction with accomplishing her long-held goal. Hemetsberger's ONE World Title represents years of dedication, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to becoming the best striker she could be.

"Last year was amazing. I accomplished a goal [of winning the ONE World Title]. It was a result of years of hard work and dedication that turned dreams into reality. I'm very happy with how everything turned out, and I'm glad the hard work I put in paid off," Hemetsberger said.

The champion's 2026 campaign begins with a rematch against Buntan, but this time under kickboxing rules for the Filipina-American's ONE Strawweight Kickboxing World Championship. The main event of ONE Fight Night 40 on 14 February provides Hemetsberger with the opportunity to make more history.

"This is something many fans want to see. And it'll be another exciting fight again. Kickboxing is my discipline, and I'm looking forward to returning under these rules. I'm locked in on becoming a two-sport World Champion," Hemetsberger said.

Beyond the immediate title fight, Hemetsberger outlined her vision for an ideal 2026. The Austrian prioritizes activity, continuous improvement, and delivering exciting performances rather than resting on her championship accomplishments.

"An ideal 2026 would be just to stay active, have a lot of good fights, put on a lot of good performances, and continuously improve my skills and get better. That'll be an ideal year, just always striving to get better and be better," Hemetsberger explained.