Stamp Fairtex was once on top of the world in ONE Championship. However, a knee injury took her out of action, and recently she relinquished the ONE Atomweight MMA World Championship to Denice Zamboanga. Still, the Thai phenom is staying positive and achieving other dreams.
Due to Stamp suffering a setback while rehabbing her surgically repaired knee, she has relinquished her World Title, and Denice Zamboanga has been elevated to undisputed ONE Women’s Atomweight MMA World Champion! 🏆 Who should “The Menace” defend her throne against first?… pic.twitter.com/kFykxfoMYR
— ONE Championship (@ONEChampionship) May 12, 2025
Stamp Fairtex Goes Back to School
During her time away, Stamp Fairtex earned her bachelor’s degree in digital marketing. While many chose between academics and athletics, she proved that one can do both. Stamp hopes that it will serve as an inspiration for many.
“I graduated with a bachelor’s degree even though I am a professional athlete, which is proof that professional athletes can complete their studies too,” Stamp Fairtex remarked to ONE.
While traditional sports may have opportunities for athletes to pursue education in college, that is not always the path for martial artists. As such, Stamp Fairtex has sent a clear message that combat sports athletes should stick with school when they have the chance. There is no guarantee for success in the ring, and having a backup plan is critical for life after competing.
“Not every fighter can stand at the top and be successful, so we should not drop out of school,” the former three-sport queen said.
Next Stop for Stamp Fairtex: Master’s Degree
Stamp’s academic pursuits are not going to end with her bachelor’s degree. Although she still intends on returning to chase three-sport gold, she will also be going right back to school to chase a Master’s degree. For Stamp Fairtex, it is all about keeping her personal momentum going and not losing steam.
“I’ll begin the first semester in May. The reason I chose to continue my studies immediately is because I felt that if I could still do it, I wanted to do it. If I still have the opportunity, I want to study at a higher level. As for how far I will continue my studies, we will see later,” the Thai star stated.
Stamp Fairtex on Importance of Paying Attention
Stamp Fairtex has traveled the world imparting her knowledge of martial arts to students. As she takes the next step in her educational career, she also gives advice on how to be an ideal student. To expand one’s horizons, Stamp is adamant that listening is key.
“Think about how you will use the knowledge you have gained to further develop yourself after graduation, and prepare yourself to handle the pressure well. You have to be a good listener because you will meet people from all walks of life, and adapting to the working society is very important,” Stamp said.
