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Stamp Fairtex "excited, and also nervous" about return to competition ahead of ONE 173 | BJPenn.com

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, October 21st 2025 at 5:17 GMT by bjpenn
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Stamp Fairtex, the charismatic Thai fighter known for his flashy clinch work and razor‑sharp elbows, has recently announced his return to the octagon after a long hiatus that left fans and critics alike wondering whether the man’s trademark “Fairtex” swagger would survive in a new ring. In a candid interview with the BJPenn staff, the former ONE Championship champion revealed that while he’s thrilled to be back, he’s also feeling the weight of nerves that come with stepping onto unfamiliar turf.

A Road of Triumphs and Turbulence

Stamp’s journey to the UFC began in 2020 when he signed a contract with ONE Championship, the largest martial‑arts promotion in Asia. Over the next two years he amassed an impressive record, winning the ONE Lightweight Muay Thai World Championship and knocking out several high‑profile opponents. Yet a series of injuries and a contract dispute forced him to pull out of a scheduled fight against Kyoji Horiguchi at ONE 152 in 2022. The loss of a scheduled bout, combined with the physical toll of training, marked the beginning of his first extended layoff.

During that time, the fighter kept his focus sharp by refining his striking arsenal and working on his defensive grappling. “I’ve been training hard, working with my coaches to improve my footwork and my takedown defense,” he told the BJPenn team. “I want to be a fighter who is not only exciting but also complete.”

The Leap to the UFC

Stamp’s transition to the UFC was formalized in early 2024, a move that was widely celebrated as a homecoming for a fighter whose Thai heritage and global fanbase have always resonated with the organization’s values. In an interview on UFC.com (https://www.ufc.com/athlete/stamp-fairtex), the athlete emphasized that the move to the UFC was both a career milestone and a personal dream: “I grew up watching UFC fights. Now it’s my turn to be in that world.”

However, the excitement was tempered by the reality that the UFC’s fight camp structure is markedly different from the training regimen he was accustomed to in Thailand. He admitted that he’s currently acclimating to a new coaching staff, a different weight‑cut protocol, and a more rigorous fight schedule. “I’m very excited, but I’m also nervous about how it all fits together,” he confessed.

Upcoming Fight: A Test of Grit

Stamp’s first bout in the UFC is slated for UFC 295, where he will face off against the rising prospect Jimmie Rivera. The fight will be held in Las Vegas on April 28, 2025, and will be the headline match for the event. “It’s a big step for me,” Stamp said. “Jimmie is a young, hungry fighter. I’m looking forward to proving that the “Fairtex” name still rings true in the UFC.”

The UFC.com profile of Jimmie Rivera (https://www.ufc.com/athlete/jimmie-rivera) details the 24‑year‑old’s impressive record, highlighting his 14‑0 streak in the flyweight division. Rivera’s explosive fighting style and his reputation for finishing fights early have earned him a place on the UFC’s radar, making him a tough opponent for the newcomer.

Fan Reactions and Media Speculation

The BJPenn article also referenced an earlier piece published on The MMA Weekly (https://www.themmawhweekly.com/articles/2025/02/15/Stamp-Fairtex-Back-From-Hiatus) that had already speculated on Stamp’s potential opponents and fight strategy. The Weekly article highlighted that Stamp’s striking style—particularly his devastating knees and spinning elbows—could be especially effective against a fighter like Rivera, whose grappling is still underdeveloped.

Fans across social media platforms have been quick to weigh in. Twitter threads show a mix of excitement and concern: some users are thrilled at the prospect of seeing a Muay Thai legend in the UFC octagon, while others question whether the stylistic differences will hinder his adaptation to the sport’s rule set, which restricts certain clinch techniques that are staples in Muay Thai. In response, Stamp has assured fans that he will keep his core identity while adapting to the UFC’s rules: “I’ll bring my best, but I’ll also respect the UFC rules.”

What to Expect in the Fight

Given Stamp’s striking pedigree, analysts predict that his game plan against Rivera will involve a combination of high‑volume kicks and precise elbows, using his experience in the clinch to maintain pressure. In the past, Stamp has often used feints to create openings for rapid, high‑impact strikes. He may also attempt to keep the fight standing, limiting Rivera’s grappling opportunities.

The UFC has stated that both fighters will undergo standard weight‑cut procedures, which could pose a challenge for Stamp, who has been known to have a naturally lean frame. The pressure to meet the 155‑pound limit in a short timeframe will test his conditioning and will likely be a key talking point leading up to the fight.

Looking Ahead

If Stamp Fairtex can overcome the nerves that accompany his first UFC fight, he may very well secure a position as one of the division’s top contenders. The fighter’s blend of striking brilliance and charismatic presence could resonate strongly with the UFC’s audience, potentially setting the stage for future title opportunities.

As fans and analysts await the bout, one thing is clear: Stamp’s return to competition is more than just a comeback—it is a statement that the “King of Muay Thai” is ready to challenge the best, adapt to new environments, and continue redefining the sport on a global stage.