The high-octane action of ONE 169 delivered thrilling upsets, fierce rivalries, and two new champions. Now, fans are buzzing about what comes next for the night’s biggest winners. Here’s a look at who might be on the horizon for Rodtang Jitmuangnon, Oumar Kane, and Jackie Buntan.
What’s Next for Rodtang Jitmuangnon?
Despite a challenging week, Rodtang Jitmuangnon once again showed why fans call him “The Iron Man.” Although stripped of his ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Championship for missing weight, he secured a decisive victory over Jacob Smith in the co-main event, showing that his dominance in the ring remains unshaken.
Perhaps the most electrifying moment came after the fight when Japanese superstar Takeru Segawa entered the ring. The two had an intense staredown, signaling a likely showdown in 2025. Takeru, who joined ONE Championship with the sole goal of facing Rodtang, had his anticipated January 2024 fight with the Thai champion postponed due to Rodtang’s injury. But with this face-off, fans have every reason to believe that these Muay Thai giants will meet in the cage soon.
Who Will Oumar Kane Face Next?
Oumar “Reug Reug” Kane made history on November 9 by dethroning Russian powerhouse Anatoly Malykhin to claim the ONE Heavyweight MMA World Championship. In a razor-close battle, the 32-year-old wrestling phenom clinched victory by split decision, proving himself against one of the division’s most dominant forces.
Given how close the fight was, a rematch could be in the cards. Malykhin’s camp could likely request a second bout, and Kane, confident in his skills, would be open to another clash with the Russian.
Alternatively, Kane’s first title defense might come against the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu icon Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida. Almeida, fresh off a submission victory over Amir Aliakbari at ONE 169, has been making waves in the heavyweight division and could pose a unique challenge with his grappling prowess. Fans can look forward to a title defense that promises intense action and high-level skill.
Jackie Buntan’s Path Forward
Filipino-American kickboxing phenom Jackie Buntan etched her name in the history books with a decisive victory over pound-for-pound great Anissa Meksen, claiming the inaugural ONE Women’s Strawweight Kickboxing World Championship. As she relishes her newfound title, the question remains: what’s next for Buntan?
One potential path is a bid for two-sport supremacy. With the ONE Women’s Strawweight Muay Thai World Title now vacant due to Smilla Sundell being stripped of her title for missing weight, Buntan has a golden opportunity to seek redemption. She previously faced Sundell in 2022 but lost in a hard-fought unanimous decision. A rematch for the Muay Thai belt would give Buntan a chance to achieve the same dual-sport glory as her former teammate Janet “JT” Todd.
ONE 169’s Biggest Winners Set to Shape Future Bouts
With these thrilling victories and upcoming battles on the horizon, ONE Championship fans can expect the action to keep escalating. Whether it’s Rodtang’s much-anticipated clash with Takeru, Oumar Kane’s defense against MMA’s elite, or Jackie Buntan’s quest for a second title, the landscape of ONE is set for more fireworks in the near future.
