Training with famed Japanese kickboxer Kana Morimoto proved to be a learning experience for Fil-American muay thai bet Jackie Buntan.
Her time with Morimoto, who fights in another tournament, K-1, has helped Buntan gain important insights on how to be a better fighter.
The 24-year-old Buntan said her workouts with Morimoto came right before she was able to confirm her showdown with Argentine bet Daniela Lopez in one of the undercard events of the first all-women’s event in ONE Championship history, ONE: EMPOWER! in Singapore.
“This is the true definition of iron sharpens iron,” said Buntan, who regularly works out with Janet Todd, the reigning ONE Kickboxing Atomweight World Champion.
The 29-year-old Morimoto, a 2019 K-1 Women’s Flyweight Grand Prix champion, has gladly shared her skills and experiences with Buntan when she dropped by at her training camp in Los Angeles last month and joined her training camp.
Morimoto, who has 17 wins and three losses, came at a perfect time, according to Buntan, since she was still seeking confirmation on her next fight.
Buntan is currently moving up the strawweight ladder following her recent wins against Wondergirl Fairtex and Ekaterina Vandaryeva.
According to Buntan, Morimoto gave her an insight into the different styles of muay thai, which she found valuable.
“Training with her opened my eyes to different styles. So, I’m grateful for this time with her,” added Buntan.
Buntan admitted she knows little of the capabilities of Lopez, the twin sister of atomweight Muay Thai contender Milagros Lopez.
And Buntan is hoping to have a perfect 2021 season by winning her third straight fight when she takes on Lopez.