ONE Atomweight MMA World Champion Stamp Fairtex is excited to return to the place that made her a star – the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.
Six years after making her ONE Championship main roster debut inside the 12,000-seat arena, the charismatic Thai star returns as the face of promotion when she defends her MMA World Title against Denice Zamboanga on June 8 at ONE 167.
A lot has happened for Stamp since then, but one thing that remains is the support she gets from her compatriots each time she steps in a ring.
Fairtex fights before home fans
“I feel excited for this fight this June against Denice. I’m excited knowing that Denice is very good, but no matter what, I know all Thai fans will be cheering me on in the Impact Arena, and I will keep the belt with me in Thailand,” she said.
“It really means a lot. My family will be there. All the Thai fans will be there, I know that every time I land a strike they’ll be cheering for me. To all Thai fans, come and support me.”
The clash between Stamp and Zamboanga will be poetic. The two started their MMA careers in the same gym when the Filipina was still training at Fairtex Training Center in Pattaya, Thailand.
They remained friends even after Zamboanga left Fairtex, but Stamp believes this shouldn’t be a concern for fans.
Friendship takes the backseat
With what’s at stake, their friendship will have to be set aside on that night.
“Me and Denice are professional athletes. Of course, we’re friends in real life, but we’re in the ring, we will do whatever it takes,” she said.
“I can punch her face if I have to because we are professional athletes. But whatever happens in the ring, we’ll still be friends after that.”
Though a win won’t come easily for her, Stamp is confident that the belt will stay in Thailand after this bout.
“No matter what style she shows up in,” Stamp said. “No matter what happens in the ring. I have a word for you – I will win.”
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
