Former three-sport ONE world champion Stamp Fairtex will make her long-awaited return against Kana Morimoto at ONE 173 on Sunday, November 16, at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan. The atomweight kickboxing contest marks Stamp’s first appearance in more than two years following a torn meniscus that derailed her momentum.
Stamp captured the vacant ONE women’s atomweight MMA world title at ONE Fight Night 14 in September 2023, adding a third title to her collection. A defense against Denice Zamboanga was scheduled for ONE 167 in June 2024, but a sparring session injury forced her withdrawal and began an extended rehabilitation process.
The Thai’s recovery proved more difficult than initially expected. Multiple setbacks extended her timeline, including a near-return for a strawweight title challenge against Xiong Jing Nan at ONE 168 in September 2024 that ultimately couldn’t happen.
“This is my comeback fight after more than two years. The past two years were difficult. It changed my routine from training Muay Thai every day to doing physical therapy every day. There was a time when I felt like I was pushing too hard,” Stamp said.
The rehabilitation demanded patience through slow, repetitive exercises that tested her mental strength. Progress stalled at times, forcing her to restart the recovery process. But gradual improvements in training eventually restored her confidence about competing again.
“When [my sparring partner] kicked, it didn’t hurt much. When it didn’t hurt, I felt, ‘Wow, my confidence went up! Okay, I’m ready, I can do it!’ That day I knew it probably wouldn’t hurt anymore. So I gained confidence day by day,” Stamp said.
Once medically cleared, Stamp immediately requested a return to competition. The opportunity to fight on her birthday in Tokyo made the decision even easier.
Morimoto provides a legitimate test for Stamp’s comeback. The four-time K-1 Champion brings Japanese striking credentials and significant experience competing at the highest levels. Her technical skills will reveal how effectively Stamp has recovered from the extended layoff.
The 27-year-old Thai star views this contest as proof that setbacks don’t define careers. Her journey through injury rehabilitation and the doubts that accompanied it have strengthened her resolve to prove she still has more to accomplish.
“For those who look up to me as an idol, and are looking for something from Stamp, I would just advise: Don’t give up, don’t lose heart, and don’t be discouraged. Look at me, I tore my knee, had surgery. Other people told me to retire, saying, ‘Just quit, you don’t need to prove anything anymore.’ But I feel like I still have a better version of myself to show,” Stamp said.
