Stamp Fairtex Relinquishes Title After Injury Setback As ONE Championship’s U.S. Return Is Postponed

Stamp Fairtex has officially relinquished her ONE atomweight championship due to an injury setback, leading to major changes in ONE Championship’s planned schedule. The highly anticipated event in Denver featuring Stamp was set for August 2025, but her withdrawal forced the promotion to postpone its U.S. return until June 2026.

Fans and fighters alike had been eagerly awaiting the matchup between Stamp Fairtex and Denice Zamboanga, along with other title bouts that were slated for the card. With her injury complications persisting, Stamp made the difficult decision to vacate her title, leaving the division and fans wondering what comes next for the atomweight crown and ONE’s ambitions in the U.S. market.

This unexpected turn has not only altered the promotion’s immediate plans but also reshaped the conversation around future contenders and international expansion for ONE Championship.

Stamp Fairtex Relinquishes ONE Championship Title

Stamp Fairtex has vacated her ONE Championship atomweight title due to a significant injury. This development has also led to the postponement of ONE Championship’s highly anticipated U.S. event and brought intense conversation to the mixed martial arts community.

Details of Injury Setback

Stamp Fairtex suffered a knee injury during training for her scheduled bout. Her recovery was initially progressing well, but complications arose, causing setbacks in her rehabilitation process. Doctors advised against a rushed return, prompting Stamp to prioritize her long-term health over immediate competition.

Due to ongoing knee complications, she decided to formally relinquish her title. This decision came after she was unable to confirm a timeline for her full recovery. Fairtex's injury means she will be away from mixed martial arts and other disciplines such as muay thai for an extended period.

The decision to vacate the title ensures the division can move forward. New contenders may now compete for the vacant atomweight belt while Stamp focuses on rehabilitation and a potential future comeback.

Impact on Mixed Martial Arts Community

Stamp Fairtex’s injury and the resulting title vacancy created significant discussion among fans and fighters. Her dynamic fighting style, blending striking techniques from muay thai with submission tactics common in brazilian jiu-jitsu and judo, made her one of ONE Championship’s most notable athletes. Her absence affects the competitive landscape and future matchups.

• Key effects include:

  • The postponement of ONE Championship’s planned U.S. return.

  • Uncertainty for fighters awaiting a title shot in the atomweight division.

  • Renewed focus on athlete health and recovery in high-impact combat sports.

Stamp's athleticism and unique skill set in mixed martial arts set her apart. Her departure leaves a gap in major events and elevates conversations about injury prevention and care in the sport.

Response from ONE Championship

ONE Championship executives responded by promptly postponing their Denver event originally set for 2025. The card, which was to feature Stamp Fairtex vs. Denice Zamboanga and other title bouts, is now rescheduled for June 2026.

In official statements, ONE Championship emphasized their support for Stamp’s decision, citing the importance of athlete health. The organization also confirmed that new contenders will have the opportunity to compete for the now vacant title in her absence.

ONE Championship’s U.S. Return Postponed

ONE Championship’s highly anticipated U.S. event in Denver has been officially postponed. The decision disrupts the schedule for fans, fighters, and promotions hoping to see atomweight action and global MMA exposure in the United States.

Reasons Behind the Postponement

The main factor forcing the postponement was an injury setback for Stamp Fairtex, the reigning atomweight champion. She withdrew from her scheduled title defense at ONE 173, which was set for August 1 in Denver. After nearly two years sidelined due to injury, Stamp chose to relinquish her atomweight title rather than hold up the division.

Without a marquee matchup like Stamp Fairtex vs. Denice Zamboanga, ONE Championship postponed its Denver event and rescheduled its next U.S. card for June 26, 2026. This removed a key highlight from the summer pay-per-view calendar and pushed back expectations for more mainstream MMA events in the country. The move echoes disruptions seen in other major organizations like Pride Fighting Championships and the Ultimate Fighting Championship when star fighters such as Chuck Liddell or Wanderlei Silva had to withdraw from major fight nights.

Effect on Fighters and Upcoming Fight Nights

Fighters affected by the postponement include Denice Zamboanga, who was next in line to compete for the atomweight title. With Stamp Fairtex stepping away, Zamboanga and others now need to wait for the division's next steps to be finalized. Fighters preparing for cage fighting and weigh-ins at ONE 173 have had their training camps and timelines disrupted.

The shifting schedule also impacts upcoming pay-per-view events and fight night lineups across MMA. Observers draw similarities to delays in classic promotions, where sudden injuries to stars like "The Iceman" Chuck Liddell or "Axe Murderer" Wanderlei Silva would derail planned main events. Fans of high-level knockout power, street fighter tactics, and international sambo will have to wait longer to see ONE fighters on a big U.S. stage. For now, Denver’s return to mainstream MMA remains on hold until 2026.