“My mental health wasn't in the best place” - Stamp Fairtex admits being scared she would never be able to return to form
Reigning and undisputed ONE women's atomweight MMA world champion Stamp Fairtex of Thailand was riding high atop the MMA mountain just a few months ago, having won the world title in September 2023 following a third-round technical knockout victory over highly regarded Ham Seo Hee.
Earlier this year, it was reported that Stamp would get the opportunity to vie for double champ status. She was scheduled to challenge ONE women's strawweight MMA world champion 'The Panda' Xiong Jing Nan for a second belt.
That matchup was set for the upcoming ONE 168: Denver card early next month.
Unfortunately, Stamp suffered a nasty knee injury in training camp for that fight and required immediate surgery. She is now deep in recovery mode and, at one point, was even relearning how to walk.
Speaking to Sportskeeda MMA in an exclusive interview, Stamp said she initially had doubts she would ever fight again, given the seriousness of her injury.
The 26-year-old Thai megastar said:
"The pain is one thing, what weights on me more is my worry. I was so scared I wouldn't be able to come back. My mental health wasn't in the best place. I was also scared that what if it happens again during training and I won't make it anymore as a fighter?"
Thankfully, Stamp says there have been many people who showed their support and motivated her to make a full recovery.
Stamp Fairtex is grateful for fans showing their support while she recovers: "It gives me a lot of motivation"
Luckily for atomweight MMA queen Stamp Fairtex, it looks like she's well on her way to a full recovery. Not only is she able to walk again, but she says doctors are almost ready to clear her to return to light training.
Stamp told Sportskeeda MMA:
"Luckily, I have received enormous support from friends, family, and my gym. They told me that there have been several athletes in the history who injured themselves but made a comeback as a champion eventually. It gives me a lot of motivation. I'm energized thinking that I'll make it back to training soon."
Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the latest news and updates surrounding Stamp Fairtex's return.