Filipino-American Muay Thai fighter Jackie Buntan made a surprise appearance in the ONE Warrior Series (OWS) Philippines to inspire the 12 remaining contenders for the $100,000 contract with ONE Championship.
The former ONE strawweight Muay Thai world contender shared to the OWS contenders some of her skills, she being one of the experts when it comes to the “art of eight limbs.”
Buntan comes from the fabled Boxing Works camp in California under famous striking coach Bryan Popejoy. She also works with two-sport world champion Janet Todd on a regular basis.
Majority of the remaining contenders have acknowledged that Buntan’s techniques are of high caliber and she executes these techniques at a high level.
Meanwhile, Team Gravity by former ONE flyweight world champion Geje Eustaquio is starting to turn the tide as the squad finally had its first winning run after four episodes on the show.
The group saw no eliminations this week because it was JM Guntayon of Team Passion under ONE strawweight world champion, who was given the axe following three sizzling elimination sparring matches.
Guntayon, who finished Ely Fernandez via rear-naked choke in the previous episode, was pitted against good friend McLeary Ornido, who surprised him with his tenacity.
Ornido quickly shot for a takedown and then took Guntayon’s back. Guntayon then found himself in a precarious position as Ornido attempted a choke – the same position that he finished Fernandez with – and he had no other choice but to tap.
It was tough for the two close friends to battle it out, but that’s the name of the game.
New Team Gravity member Ariel Lampacan also showcased his impressive striking against the equally impressive Jun Montilla in a sparring.
Lampacan of Itogon, Benguet is the only Cordilleran who remains in contention for the elusive OWS Philippines contract with ONE Championship. – Harley F. Palangchao
