‘I Proved The Haters Wrong’ – Stamp Fairtex Proud Of MMA Progress In 2022
Over the past year, Stamp Fairtex showed that she can hang with the best of the best in mixed martial arts.
After winning the ONE Women’s Atomweight World Grand Prix in 2021, the former Muay Thai and kickboxing queen cemented her place in the top tier when she challenged Angela Lee for the ONE Women’s Atomweight World Title.
Despite coming up short in her quest for MMA gold at ONE X in March, Stamp looked seconds away from taking the crown.
She had the reigning queen reeling from a hard body shot in the opening stanza, but Lee survived and rallied to secure a submission in round two.
Undeterred, Stamp got back to winning ways against Jihin Radzuan at ONE on Prime Video 2 in October, although she still feels like her showdown with Lee was the defining moment of her 2022.
The Thai megastar said:
“My life has been pretty cool this year. First thing first, I had a big chance to face Angela Lee for the World Title. Although I lost, I didn’t regret sharing the Circle with her. I learned a great lesson from that fight. It was a big, good test for me.
“Plus, with my performance in that fight, I proved the haters wrong. Previously, a lot of people underestimated my MMA skills. I’ve been able to prove myself in fights and make those trolls silent. It was a great year.”
Fans have long been intrigued by Stamp’s foray into the all-around sport, and she’s proven that it’s far more than a side project.
The Fairtex representative first rose to prominence with two belts in the all-striking divisions, but her performances in MMA have seen her popularity skyrocket – though she’ll never take her success for granted.
The 25-year-old said:
“I’m proud of myself. I have come a long, long way from being an ordinary girl to becoming an idol for many people around the world right now. I’m proud of my all endeavors and efforts to overcome each task in my life until today.
“But, although I’m famous, I’m still the same old Stamp for everyone. There’s no way I’m acting arrogantly. Everyone in the gym can slap my head like before!”
Stamp Fairtex Has Wide-Reaching Goals For 2023
With two World Titles and a Word Grand Prix Championship to her name, Stamp Fairtex has already achieved an incredible amount in three sports under the ONE Championship banner.
However, the Thai still has plenty more goals on her agenda, ideally starting with a victory in her highly anticipated mixed rules super-fight against striking great Anissa Meksen at ONE on Prime Video 6 on January 13.
Stamp said:
“The year 2023 would be my ideal year. Of course, I’m going to start the year with a special-rules fight. It will be a great opportunity to write a new page of my own history, to create my own legacy. And it’s a good start to the year.”
But while that matchup with Meksen is exciting, Stamp is also ready to get back to what she knows best.
The Fairtex star wants to return to her Muay Thai roots in the coming year, while also preparing herself for a second shot at the atomweight MMA gold.
Stamp added:
“Later, I think I’ll find a way back to fight in Muay Thai for fans who miss me. I hope that Chatri would allow me to come back to Muay Thai sometime next year.
“And for sure, I will improve my ground game more and more, with the hope of challenging Angela Lee again.”
