‘When It Comes To MMA, I’m A Cut Above’ – Ham Seo Hee Confident For World Title Clash With Stamp Fairtex
Ham Seo Hee is preparing to claim the ONE Interim Atomweight MMA World Title in style on Friday, September 29.
The South Korean slugger has been one of the best fighters in the weight class for over a decade, and she’ll get her chance to reach the summit when she takes on Thai star Stamp Fairtex in North American primetime at ONE Fight Night 14 on Prime Video.
The #2-ranked contender defeated Itsuki Hirata in March to earn a shot at interim gold while reigning divisional queen Angela Lee decides on her competitive future.
Now, with a date and a target officially set, “Hamzzang” is going full throttle, readying herself for a tough battle with a fellow striker.
She told onefc.com:
“I am putting in a lot of effort to get ready for the upcoming fight – like any other one – so I have no regrets when the fight comes.
“I am doing my best to prepare in every aspect rather than just preparing separately for one area. But as we both possess striking strengths, I am focusing on training to showcase it during the title fight.”
Ham certainly sees #1-ranked Stamp as an opponent who needs to be taken seriously.
The South Korean acknowledges her rival’s incredible success as a former ONE Atomweight Muay Thai and Kickboxing World Champion, along with the constant evolution she’s shown since switching to mixed martial arts.
However, Stamp has only competed in 12 MMA bouts since debuting in 2018, while Ham has appeared in 34 since 2007 and currently owns a nine-fight winning streak. With that extra experience in mind, the 36-year-old expects to be a step ahead throughout their World Title matchup.
Ham said:
I think Stamp is a powerful opponent. Her Muay Thai strikes are powerful, and she successfully transitioned them into MMA.
“But I’m a cut above her in MMA. I think MMA striking has different distances and movements that set it apart.”
Ham Seo Hee Aiming For Crowning Moment Of Epic MMA Career
Ham Seo Hee has rightfully earned her reputation as a fearless striker who will march down any opponent in front of her.
And while few stand-up specialists in the atomweight ranks are as potent as Stamp Fairtex, the South Korean won’t stop believing in her own strategy.
Instead, “Hamzzang” plans on pushing the pace the same way she would against any rival. And although she’s hoping to win via stoppage, she’s simply excited to face the Muay Thai stylist for up to five hard-fought rounds.
Ham explained her mindset:
“I can’t say who holds the advantage, but I maintain confidence against any opponent. I always aim for the finish and try to fight aggressively. However, I also consider the judges’ verdicts and make sure to prepare accordingly.
“It’s great if I get the finish, but even if I don’t, I enjoy being in the Circle and don’t mind spending more time there. I will always enjoy the fight. And I will always try my best, give it my all, and come out without any regrets.”
For many years, Ham paid her dues and garnered respect as a pioneering veteran in women’s mixed martial arts in Asia, picking up a slew of prestigious titles along the way.
Though she’s not planning on hanging up her gloves anytime soon, the Team MAD athlete does see her matchup on September 29 as a fitting time to become a ONE World Champion, crowning her sensational career with the most illustrious accolade of them all.
She added:
“I think the ONE Championship belt will be the final achievement. That’s why it means a lot to me. I want to continue fighting this level of competition while defending the World Title for a long time.”
