“I’m ready to fight my friend” - Stamp Fairtex congratulates Denice Zamboanga for becoming the Philippines’ first female MMA world champion
Stamp Fairtex couldn't be any happier for her former training partner and good friend Denice Zamboanga after she etched her name in the history books at ONE Fight Night 27.
Last Friday, Jan. 10, 'The Menace' became the first Filipina MMA world champion following a resounding second-round TKO victory over Alyona Rassohyna to claim the interim atomweight MMA world title.
Stamp, who was at Lumpinee Stadium to witness the monumental moment unfold, couldn't hide her excitement after seeing Zamboanga get the well-deserved 26 pounds of gold.
As thrilled as the reigning atomweight MMA queen is for her former stablemate, she understands that they'll have to settle business soon in their inevitable unification bout.
Stamp Fairtex told Mitch Chilson during her in-ring face-to-face with the new interim atomweight champ:
"First thing, congratulations. Congratulations, Philippines! I’m so excited to meet her in the ring, but sure, I’m ready to fight with my friend, it’s ok."
While there's still no timetable for Stamp's return to action, she's already been cleared to resume all activities after surgery to repair a torn meniscus last year.
One thing's for sure, the world will be watching once Stamp and Denice go at it to determine the undisputed ruler of the women's 115-pound MMA division.
The full replay of ONE Fight Night 27 is available free on demand for Prime Video subscribers in North America.
Stamp Fairtex hopes to get a kickboxing tune-up before MMA return
Fans are eagerly awaiting Stamp Fairtex's highly-awaited comeback sometime in 2025.
The former three-sport queen has made it clear that she wants to compete in Muay Thai and kickboxing anew, and perhaps even make a run for her former belts.
Before duking it out with Denice Zamboanga to unify the atomweight MMA world titles, Stamp expressed her desire to do a kickboxing match-up first.
The Fairtex Training Center superstar told ONE Championship:
"I want to get back into fighting. I want to step back into the ring, focus on training, and continue my recovery. I want to have a kickboxing fight before defending my belt, and I want to successfully defend my belt. I want to show everyone that Stamp is back."