Stamp Fairtex Concedes Tough Loss, Vows for Stronger Comeback

Stamp Fairtex claims her extended journey back to ONE Championship has officially started - although her comeback concluded with a unanimous...

Stamp Fairtex claims her extended journey back to ONE Championship has officially started - although her comeback concluded with a unanimous decision defeat against Japan's Kana Morimoto at ONE 173.

This was Stamp's first match since September 2023, when she won the vacant ONE atomweight MMA title. What came next seemed like a series of misfortunes: meniscus surgery in May 2024, two postponed title defenses against Denice Zamboanga, and the failure of an intended challenge for Xiong Jingnan's strawweight title. A new attempt to fight Zamboanga — who had later secured the interim championship — was scheduled for August 2025, but an issue during her recovery led Stamp to pull out once more. Eventually, she relinquished her title, allowing Zamboanga to be recognized as the undisputed champion.

The kickboxing match on Sunday was intended as a low-risk return - a method to assess her knee and fitness without the danger of elbow strikes or grappling. Prior to the fight, she joked that she had 'discovered a new word' when questioned about ring rust, and she smiled once more when the topic was brought up later.

Numerous athletes steer clear of the press following a defeat. Stamp, on her 28th birthday, with her fiancé Anthony Duong present in the audience, agreed right away to the Bangkok Post's invitation.

She had once again dominated the stage with her signature 'Stamp Dance' entrance, causing the crowd at the Ariake Arena to cheer enthusiastically for her, even when facing one of their own. Kana, who had recently lost a title bout to Phetjeeja in Saitama in March, was simply too skilled, securing her own opportunity for revenge.

I felt excited and anxious," Stamp said. "Yeah... it was my return. The first match in more than two years. I'm worn out. But I believe I performed well today.

She acknowledged the extended break was evident, yet she felt she had instances of control, especially with a second-round body shot she believes caused visible harm.

I believe I need to focus more on cardiovascular exercise or a specific method," she stated plainly. "I struck her in the body and she was injured. I think I performed well today.

The most positive news for the Thai fighter was that her knee remained completely undamaged following two rounds of calf-kick battles.

My knee isn't injured," she stated. "Don't be concerned about that.

Her trainer, Prem Fairtex, also assists occasionally when Stamp requires translation help—her English has significantly improved since meeting her fiancé, who lives in the U.S.—noted that she wasn't harmed by Kana's kicks. She was merely off-balance while moving forward.

Stamp is convinced that a more fit and sharper version of herself could defeat Kana in a future encounter, stating: 'If I get another opportunity, I want to face her with a strong physique.'

She further mentioned that the night served as a positive way to celebrate her birthday.

If I hadn't returned today, and if I had waited longer, I would have felt more exhausted. So now that I have come back, it's beneficial for me. Because the next time will be better.

In conclusion, it was still a successful mission. The whole week felt overwhelming following two years away, Stamp admitted, noting that her nerves were stronger than anticipated.

It's been a long time since I've been in this environment," her translator said. "Before entering the ring, she felt like she was going to throw up. It brought back the old sensation again.

When asked if the nerves might subside next time, Stamp smiled—an authentic reaction that contrasted with her celebrity status and apparent unshakable confidence.

No. It has always been this way.

One chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong confirmed that ONE 175 will make a return to Tokyo in April, with Stamp expressing her eagerness to fight there—potentially following another adjustment, this time in Muay Thai. A match against Myanmar's Vero Nika was previously considered as an option, before she ultimately evaluates her knee and fitness level again in MMA.

I'll return shortly," she remarked. "Improved from today.

She then went off to salvage what remained of her birthday - the initial steps in what she aspires to be a complete return campaign in 2026.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).