If she wasn’t already a star, Stamp Fairtex seemingly solidified her status Friday when she became a three-sport titleholder in ONE Championship, a rare feat
Fairtex (11-2) danced her way to the cage at Singapore Indoor Stadium in Kallang, before she handled business and finished UFC alumnus Seo Hee Ham (26-9) in Round 3 of the ONE Fight Night 14 headliner. The win earned her the ONE Championship 115-pound title, which was vacated minutes earlier by Angela Lee’s impromptu retirement.
“I feel very proud and happy that I have achieved the three-sport world titles today,” Fairtex said at a virtual post-fight news conference. “I think I’m the only woman and I’m the first person who has achieved this title.”
The MMA title joins the promotion’s kickboxing title and muay Thai title in Fairtex’s collection. As if the completed trifecta wasn’t special enough, Fairtex received the torch from her idol (and former opponent) Lee in the cage after the fight.
“I was very overwhelmed because it was like Angela herself passing on her belt to me, to receive this championship title,” Fairtex said. “I remember the last time I had a fight with her. She told me herself I would be the next champ, which I feel very honored for that.”
The victory, for Fairtex, would be less significant if not for her journey to get there. Joined by her mother in the cage after the fight and backstage for media obligations, Fairtex couldn’t help but reflect on her humble beginnings and how they shaped her.
“My family, when I grew up, we were poor,” Fairtex said. “We didn’t have a lot in financials. … That’s how I realized I only have my family. My family is all I had, and they will always be there for me.”
Fairtex sported a mouse under her right eye at Friday’s news conference but otherwise appeared to be in good physical condition. As for what or who is next, Fairtex welcomes all comers – after some time off.
“At the moment, I’m not thinking of anyone next,” Fairtex said. “I’d like to take a break, rest, and spend time with my family first. Actually, I’d love to fight with anyone who is on the way. I don’t really mind.”
