Thai superstar Stamp Fairtex has already carved out a remarkable legacy in the world of mixed martial arts. Yet, for someone who has already achieved unprecedented success across three combat sports, resting on laurels is not an option. This past September, Stamp added a significant milestone to her illustrious career by claiming the ONE Women’s Atomweight MMA World Title at ONE Fight Night 14. This victory against Ham Seo Hee cemented her status as a three-sport queen, having previously held ONE World Titles in kickboxing and Muay Thai.
Now, at the age of 25, Stamp is not just content with her phenomenal achievements; she’s aiming higher. Her latest ambition? To challenge ONE Women’s Strawweight MMA World Champion “The Panda” Xiong Jing Nan.
Speaking to onefc.com, Stamp expressed her eagerness to take on this new challenge: “Xiong Jing Nan, I feel like she is the only challenge I want to try right now.” This potential move up in weight signifies not just a quest for a fourth World Title, but also a test against one of the sport’s most formidable fighters.
Xiong Jing Nan, since capturing the women’s strawweight MMA crown in January 2018, has dominated the division with seven title defenses. Known for her ferocious punching power, Xiong has established herself as one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the sport. Her recent victory over Muay Thai sensation Nat “Wondergirl” Jaroonsak in a special rules striking contest highlights her versatility and hunger for new challenges – traits that Stamp recognizes and respects.
Stamp’s aspiration to move up to the 125-pound division and vie for dual golden belts is a testament to her fearless pursuit of excellence. Before transitioning to MMA, she dominated the atomweight Muay Thai and kickboxing ranks simultaneously. “My next goal is to move up to fight Xiong Jing Nan in her division. I want to challenge myself to see how far I can go,” she stated.
However, the challenge of dethroning ‘The Panda’ is daunting. Xiong Jing Nan has been unbeaten in the strawweight division, with ten wins, including seven successful world title defenses. Adding to the intrigue, Xiong has previously expressed her willingness to drop down to atomweight, eyeing the possibility of becoming a double champion herself.
Interestingly, despite their potential rivalry, Stamp and Xiong share a bond forged over the years. This camaraderie, however, will be set aside if they face off for the coveted 26 pounds of gold. Whether the bout happens at atomweight or strawweight, a Stamp vs. Xiong Jing Nan match promises to be a landmark event in women’s MMA history.
The stakes of this potential fight are underscored by the past encounters between Xiong and Angela Lee. Xiong defended her strawweight title twice against Lee, including a fifth-round TKO in Tokyo in 2019 and a decision victory in their trilogy match, which marked the end of Lee’s career. Stamp, who has rapidly ascended the ranks, seems eager to test her skills against Xiong, undeterred by the challenges that lie ahead.
But Stamp’s ambitions don’t end there. She also eyes a special rules fight, blending MMA and Muay Thai. Her intended bout against striking legend Anissa Meksen in January for such a contest fell through, leading her to face Anna “Supergirl” Jaroonsak in a kickboxing clash. Stamp remains interested in this unique format, stating, “If possible, I want to fight in special rules with MMA and Muay Thai. I missed this opportunity once. I’m interested in boxing in small gloves with special rules, as well.”
For Stamp, these varied and ambitious goals are more than just pursuits of glory. They represent her commitment to continually evolving as a martial artist. “I think I still have room to grow. I believe I can develop my potential even further,” she added. This mindset reflects the ethos of a true champion, one who sees each challenge as an opportunity to elevate her skills and legacy.
Stamp Fairtex stands at a pivotal moment in her career, with aspirations that stretch beyond the boundaries of conventional combat sports. Whether it’s pursuing a historic fourth world title or venturing into uncharted territories with special rules fights, Stamp’s journey is a testament to her relentless pursuit of greatness.
