Stamp Identifies Kana’s Spinning Back Kick As Only Real Threat
Stamp Fairtex has dissected every weapon in Kana Morimoto’s striking arsenal during two years of rehabilitation that transformed physical therapy sessions into tactical study, yet only one technique from the four-time K-1 Champion generates genuine concern for her birthday comeback fight.
The 27-year-old former three-sport ONE World Champion returns from a torn meniscus against the Japanese fighter on November 16 at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri inside Tokyo’s Ariake Arena, where atomweight kickboxing action provides calculated reentry into elite competition rather than immediately diving back into MMA’s all-encompassing demands.
Choosing kickboxing represents strategic rehabilitation as much as competitive return. Stamp needs to test rebuilt muscles and reclaimed explosiveness without the grappling exchanges that defined her ONE Atomweight MMA World Championship reign before injury forced her to relinquish that crown.
Her camp at Fairtex Training Center has focused on restoring the multi-sport dynamism that made her the first and only athlete to simultaneously hold three ONE belts across three disciplines, though she acknowledges muscle memory takes time rebuilding after extended absence.
“I decided to go for kickboxing before MMA because I wanted to warm up my body first,” Stamp said. “I need to see how things go. I want to check my mental state, my physical condition, and if my endurance is still there.”
The matchmaking carries poetic timing — returning on her birthday against Japan’s best kickboxer represents the kind of challenge Stamp specifically requested rather than accepting safe comeback opponents designed to rebuild confidence through easy victories.
Kana’s lightning speed and in-and-out movement create problems, though Stamp has identified defensive gaps when the 33-year-old rushes forward without proper protection. Those moments provide opportunities for sweeping kicks that disrupt rhythm.
The real danger lurks in Kana’s spinning back kick, that signature Japanese technique Stamp admits generates legitimate worry despite her confidence in handling everything else the K-1 Champion brings.
“I’m only scared of one move, the spinning back kick,” she said. “The key to winning this time, I think, will be my power – like kicking her hard enough to stop her, to make her flinch. I plan to kick her arms until they’re crushed.”
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