Stamp Fairtex was scheduled to defend her ONE Women’s Atomweight MMA World Title against Denice Zamboanga at ONE 167 in June 2024, a defense against her friend and former training partner that carried emotional weight beyond the championship itself.

Instead, a torn meniscus forced her to the sidelines for what anyone expected would be a routine recovery period. The path back stretched far longer than anyone anticipated, filled with physical therapy sessions, rehabilitation work, and moments of doubt that tested her resolve. When she finally seemed ready to face Zamboanga in a unification match in May 2025, fate intervened again.

“I thought my knee had recovered, but in reality, it wasn’t 100 percent yet. There were moments of frustration, but never enough to make me give up. I felt like I hadn’t taken good enough care of my body, so I went back to focusing 100 percent on physical therapy,” Stamp said.

Another setback would have broken most fighters. For the 28-year-old Thai megastar, it became an opportunity to demonstrate the character that defines true world champions. Rather than cling to the gold she’d captured by knocking out Ham Seo Hee at ONE Fight Night 14 in September 2023, the Fairtex Training Center product vacated the ONE Women’s Atomweight MMA World Championship, elevating Zamboanga — who’d claimed the interim crown in January 2025 — to undisputed status. That selfless act spoke volumes about her character even as the belt she’d fought so hard to claim slipped away.

“I was happy for Denice because I know how hard she works, though I did feel a bit of regret giving it up so easily, considering I put in blood, sweat, and tears to earn it,” she said.

“However, I wanted the division to move forward. I vacated the title because I felt it was only fair to give others a chance to compete. However, I believe that if it’s meant to be mine, it will find its way back to me.”

After 778 days away from competition, the three-sport queen stepped back into the spotlight on enemy soil at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri inside Tokyo’s Ariake Arena last November against former K-1 Champion Kana Morimoto. Though she suffered a unanimous decision loss in the atomweight kickboxing clash, she walked away from Tokyo viewing the performance as exactly what she needed. The fear that had lived in her mind during every training session — the anxiety that one wrong movement could send her back to square one — had been conquered.

“Even though I didn’t win, I’m not disappointed. It was just a warm-up fight, and I’m satisfied with my physical condition to a certain extent,” Stamp said.

“Most importantly, my knee didn’t hurt. Overall, I did a good job for a comeback. I’m proud of myself for getting back into the ring. Even though it was scary and filled with anxiety, I overcame it.”

For an athlete who spent two years wondering if she’d ever compete again, simply making it through nine minutes without her knee acting up represented a huge win. The Thai megastar’s competitive fire burns brighter than ever, and she remains determined to prove she belongs at the top of the division.

“Of course, I still want to fight. Denice is another opponent who would be a very challenging and exciting match for me,” Stamp said.

READ MORE: “He’s Small”- Jake Paul Confidently Claims He Would Beat Ilia Topuria in a Boxing Match

• Facebook
• Instagram
• X
• Google