Stamp Fairtex is all set to make her eagerly anticipated return to the ONE Championship in May. However, this comeback isn’t about defending her title just yet; instead, she’s planning to step back into the ring for a “warm-up” kickboxing bout. The reigning ONE atomweight MMA champion has been on a hiatus since last June due to surgery for a torn meniscus, an unforeseen injury that threw a wrench in her plans for a title defense against Denice Zamboanga. Last weekend in Bangkok, this Filipino contender seized the division’s interim belt, thereby setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying clash with Stamp in the near future.
But before the titles collide and champions clash, Stamp is opting to knock the dust off her gloves in a slightly different arena. “I think I’ll be back around May,” she shared with the Bangkok Post amidst an enthusiastic gathering of fans at ONE Fight Night 27. With a grin, she remarked on the heartwarming reception, “Nice everyone didn’t forget me.” Her plans? A potentially thrilling kickboxing match at Bangkok’s renowned Lumpinee Stadium. She excitedly added, “I have a fight probably in kickboxing, because I want a warm-up first. Then I will defend the belt this year, maybe around August.” With a meticulous mindset, she reflected, “I want to check my breathing, how to fight again, and I want to assess my knee and my body, ensuring everything’s in great shape.”
The multi-talented fighter has been ramping up her recovery efforts at the Fairtex gym in Pattaya as she prepares for her grand return to the ring. “Everything is getting better. My knee is progressing well—perhaps around 60 percent,” she noted. “I’m not undergoing full-scale training yet, probably around 60 percent intensity as well – it’s not the usual routine, but everything is coming together.”
In a spectacle of sportsmanship turned camaraderie, Stamp participated in a scheduled staredown with Zamboanga this past Saturday, which soon transformed into a warm hug between the two. These former Fairtex training pals seem to have been veering towards a collision course since Stamp redirected her energy wholeheartedly from kickboxing and Muay Thai towards MMA back in 2021—a career move that led Zamboanga to part ways with the gym.
“Denice is really good; her boxing and ground game are top-notch,” Stamp mentioned with genuine admiration. “Even if it’s my best friend, it’s OK. Everyone wants to see us fight. Everyone wants to snatch my belt,” she jested with an indomitable spirit.
Last September, Stamp was also slated for a face-off against Xiong Jingnan for the strawweight MMA title in Denver, but those dreams were put on hold as she went under the surgeon’s blade. “I still want to fight her, as long as I can,” Stamp asserted, her competitive fire undiminished. “I still want to do it. I want my shot. I want to improve and prove to everyone that I can accomplish it.”
As Stamp revs up to return stronger than ever, the world of combat sports is eagerly anticipating her next move. With each step forward, she is not just a fighter making her comeback—she is a story of resilience and the relentless pursuit of greatness.
Stamp Fairtex should focus only on MMA. Mixing disciplines could distract her.
Competitors are often stronger when they diversify their skills.
True, but mastering one before branching out can make a bigger impact.
It’s all about strategy. Look at Cejudo, he did it successfully.
Can’t wait to see her fight again, her energy is unmatched!
Taking time off for surgery might have set her back a bit, but it seems she’s bouncing back strong.
Athletes today recover from injuries faster thanks to advanced medical procedures.
Warm-up fights are smart. It’s like testing the waters before diving back in full force.
Yes, but only if she doesn’t get too comfortable in that zone.
Comfort can be a downfall, but I think she’s driven enough to avoid that.
The MMA landscape could change significantly while she’s out of title contention. Competitors gain ground.
I remember her fight against Xiong was a bummer to miss. Hope they face off eventually.
You can’t script sports moments like the staredown turning into a hug. That’s pure class from both.
Wait, does this mean Zamboanga might get the title shot before her own rematch with Stamp? That’s unfair!
Fair or not, those are the politics of sports, especially in combat sports.
It just means we sometimes don’t get the matches we truly want.
Training at 60 percent is risky if she meets an opponent at full 100 percent intensity!
People underestimate recovery time just because she’s an athlete. Her drive is admirable though.
Warm-up fights can psychologically prepare her. Fans should be supportive instead of critical.
Support is key, but criticism can also be constructive if it pushes her in the right direction.
Imagine a roaring crowd in Lumpinee Stadium, will be thrilling to witness!
She’s handling the comeback smartly, assessing her knee before full training is key.
Stamp’s balancing act between MMA and kickboxing makes her a more dynamic fighter!
I think she should have stayed with Muay Thai. It’s her strongest skill set.
Staying with a familiar base can help, but trying new arenas keeps it exciting for fans.
I suppose her growth could stagnate if she does only one thing.
Kudos to her for the comeback strategy. Many athletes rush back too soon and re-injure themselves.
I wonder how much of a challenge Zamboanga will be with that interim belt.
Will Stamp’s return match be broadcasted? Can’t wait to see her back in action.