Australian striker Diandra Martin hopes to turn heads this Friday at ONE Fight Night 10: Johnson vs. Moraes III when she battles Jackie Buntan in a strawweight Muay Thai clash that could determine the division’s next World Title challenger. Slated to go down at ONE’s historic debut on U.S. soil, live from 1stBank Center in Colorado, this high-stakes showdown will be Martin’s chance to silence any remaining critics. 

After losing her promotional debut to current strawweight Muay Thai queen Smilla Sundell last February, the 27-year-old bounced back six months later in a big way, securing a decision win over English star Amber Kitchen.

Diandra Martin will target to stun the audience with a victory despite being the underdog

With the victory, though, comes another stiff test. A long-time training partner of ONE Women’s Atomweight Kickboxing World Champion Janet Todd, Buntan is just 25 years old and already one of the world’s most feared strikers. Martin isn’t fazed by the hype surrounding her foe. After scoring an upset over Kitchen in her last appearance, she says she’s ready for a repeat performance against Buntan,

“I surprised people against Amber [Kitchen]. Many people thought Amber was going to walk through me, and I came away with a unanimous points decision. I was definitely the underdog for that. I feel like I’ll be the underdog for this. But that doesn’t scare me. I’m happy to be the underdog. I’m happy to take on the big dog. Let’s go. It’s a good challenge. Just because you’ve got a bigger crowd doesn’t mean you’re better than me. That’s the way I see it.” 

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If she can get past the American this Friday, Martin could earn another crack at her old opponent, Sundell.

Martin also believes she would present a real challenge to Smilla Sundell

Now comfortable fighting Muay Thai in ONE’s 4-ounce gloves and still improving as a fighter, the Australian standout believes she’d give the strawweight Muay Thai queen a totally new challenger, were they to meet with gold on the line. 

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Martin added, “A lot of people have said that I’ve definitely improved since my first fight against Smilla. I reckon it’ll be a very different fight. I’ll be way more confident. I feel better with the little [4-ounce] gloves, and that’s going to be a big [factor]. I’m ready to show everyone why I belong on the ONE world stage.”