"It's difficult to predict anything": Stamp Fairtex admits uncertainty ahead of much-anticipated comeback match
Former three-sport ONE Championship world champion Stamp Fairtex is preparing for her highly anticipated return with a surprisingly humble and down-to-earth approach. Stamp returns to the Circle for the first time in almost 2 years following a serious knee injury, and she is filled with uncertainty instead of bravado regarding her performance.
Aside from it being rare for a fighter to take this position, it is even more so for Topnoi, who will step into the ONE Championship ring against former K-1 flyweight champion Kana Morimoto in an atomweight kickboxing bout at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri on November 16 at Tokyo's Ariake Arena- coincidentally, also her birthday. Instead of an outcome, Stamp views the match as a test of whether she is ready to move on to the next chapter of her celebrated fighting career.
'This will be a chance to prove myself, whether I can make a comeback or not. I don't even expect a great result from myself. I'm unsure. It's been a long time since I last fought. It's difficult to predict anything from both her and my side.'
Stamp Fairtex is approaching her return with vulnerability, not confidence
Having been undefeated in MMA, Muay Thai, and kickboxing at one point in the past, Stamp Fairtex returns with a 'back-to-basics' approach and a genuine sense of humility. She was the reigning ONE Women's Atomweight MMA World Champion, a role that had always been accompanied by quiet confidence.
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The high expectations surrounding her comeback have been intensified by her prolonged absence due to a serious knee injury, which has allowed younger talents to emerge in her absence.
Instead of a return to dominance, Stamp sends a message of recovery and maturity, recognizing this fight is just as much about rehabilitation as competition.
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Comeback carries emotional weight and professional uncertainty
Professionally, the return of Stamp is not just a milestone moment, but personally, it is also a special one.
The return to the cage against Kana on November 16, which is also her birthday, is about much more than just that for her. Last month, Stamp opened up about the mental struggle of returning after such a lengthy layoff, and with fans worldwide clamoring for her return, she won't be anticipating fireworks.
Focusing on winning comes second here; replay and see how Stamp reframes it by prioritizing an assessment of her preparedness over victory. Not about the records broken or the victories won, it's about remembering exactly who she is and how strong she can be, to rediscover that confidence to show the world that when the fire burns brightest, she still belongs on top, even if the fire doesn't quite come back yet.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
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