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Andrew Whitelaw

Stamp Fairtex has all the elements of a star. She was the first three-sport world champion in ONE Championship history. Her walkouts are iconic, her smile is infectious and her personality has made her one of the most beloved figures in Asian combat sports.
But it has not all been Korean hearts and TikTok dances for the crowd favourite.
The Thai superstar has endured one of the toughest spells of her career, forced to relinquish her atomweight Muay Thai belt last year because of a chronic knee injury that kept her sidelined for months.
Now, at ONE 173 in Tokyo and complete with new-look bleached blonde hair, she makes her long-awaited return against Japan’s Kana Morimoto in a kickboxing bout that will test both her timing and her patience.
“I miss everything,” said Stamp, who has been atomweight world champion in MMA, Muay Thai and kickboxing. “I miss the fans, I miss the cheering and I even miss that sound when we fight – it’s something that always motivates me.”

The 27-year-old admitted that the time away was more difficult than any fight camp. Unable to train or compete, she had to rely on the support of her family and teammates at Fairtex Gym in Pattaya.
“It was really hard. I couldn’t train at all – and I train every day, so that was a bad time for me,” she said. “But my family supported me and kept telling me I could come back.”
Her return comes not in her preferred disciplines of Muay Thai or MMA, but in kickboxing – a rule set she has not competed under since 2021.
“Honestly, I don’t miss kickboxing,” she said with a laugh. “I miss Muay Thai and MMA more, but this is a warm-up fight for me. I just want to test myself and feel how my body reacts again.”


Her opponent, Morimoto, is a former K-1 champion and brings both skill and experience to the ring. Stamp knows it will be no easy comeback.
“She’s really good. She’s fought some of the best, and she has a lot of experience. It’s a challenge for sure, but that’s what I want. If I fight someone good, that’s good for me too.”
Despite the long lay-off, Stamp’s trademark confidence remains intact. When asked what she expects from the fight, she smiled and replied, “I expect she loses.”
The Bangkok native has also been turning heads with her improved English, something she credits to daily practice and support from her fiancé, Anthony Duong, who is also involved in MMA.












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A post shared by Anthony Duong (@duonganthony_)



Back in Japan, a country with a deep martial arts history, Stamp feels the weight of expectation but also the excitement that comes with performing on one of the biggest cards of the year.
“It’s Japan. You have to look good and perform well. Even my Dad said my hair looks good,” she joked, showing off her new blonde streaks.
After the fight, she plans to unwind with some well-deserved Tokyo desserts. “Maybe shabu-shabu or hotpot, and pancakes – the really fluffy ones,” she said. “I miss that.”
As for the rest of the card, Stamp says she was especially excited for the Superbon v Masaaki Noiri and Rukiya Anpo v Marat Grigorian matchups but remained confident the women would steal the show.
“Everyone is talking about Rodtang, Noiri, and Superbon, but I think this women’s fight will be Fight of the Night.”


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ONE Championship: Thai star Stamp Fairtex to make up for lost time against Kana Morimoto

Stamp Fairtex (left) will face Kana Morimoto in her least preferred discipline of kickboxing. Photo: Handout

Stamp Fairtex (left) and Kana Morimoto at their pre-fight press conference in September. Photo: ONE Championship.

ONE Championship: Nabil Anane to face Hiromi Wajima at ONE 173 after injury pull-out

Thai-Algerian Nabil Anane (right), seen here against Brazil’s Felipe Lobo. stands 1.93 metres tall and is regarded as one of the most gifted young talents in world Muay Thai. Photo: ONE Championship

Nabil Anane making his entrance as One Piece’s Monkey D Luffy against Superlek Kiatmoo9. Photo: Handout 

Nabil Anane is keen to watch the clash between Marat Grigorian (left) and Rukiya Anpo. Photo: Handout

ONE Championship: Rodtang Jitmuangnon vows to ‘fight like a rocket’ against Nong-O Hama

A playful Rodtang Jitmuangnon (left) will face fellow Thai Nong-O Hama at ONE 173 in Tokyo on November 16. Photo: ONE Championship

Rodtang appeared at the press conference in Malaysian attire. Photo: ONE Championship

Sport

Martial Arts

Kickboxing

Mixed Martial Arts

Muay Thai

After more than two years away with injury, the first three-sport world champion returns to the spotlight with a kickboxing bout at ONE 173


After more than two years away with injury, the first three-sport world champion returns to the spotlight with a kickboxing bout at ONE 173.


Stamp Fairtex

Kana Morimoto

ONE Championship: Thai star Stamp Fairtex to make up for lost time against Kana Morimoto

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}After more than two years away with injury, the first three-sport world champion returns to the spotlight with a kickboxing bout at ONE 173

After more than two years away with injury, the first three-sport world champion returns to the spotlight with a kickboxing bout at ONE 173