As Thai megastar Stamp Fairtex prepares to defend her ONE Atomweight MMA World Title against Denice “The Menace” Zamboanga in the main event of ONE 167 on Prime Video, she’s also been sharpening her English language skills.

That massive World Title showdown will take place live in U.S. primetime on June 7 at Bangkok’s Impact Arena. However, ahead of her clash against Zamboanga, Fairtex explains why she is so motivated to learn a new language.

Stamp Fairtex’s pursuit of English fluency

It will mark Stamp’s first defense of her gold and her second fight since she made her U.S. debut last May, scoring an unforgettable knockout win over Alyse Anderson at ONE Fight Night 10 in Denver. The 26-year-old three-sport ONE World Champion says she received an incredibly warm welcome from the American fans: “For my first fight in America, I was shocked that there were so many fans who knew about me.”

She further added, “My fondest memory was seeing American fans cheering us so loudly. I didn’t think there would be people who loved me this much. I believe I can expand my fan base in America further in my next fight there.” Indeed, Stamp is already looking forward to her return to North America. Win or lose against Zamboanga, she will next move up in weight to challenge “The Panda” Xiong Jing Nan for her strawweight MMA crown.

Given her superstardom in America, the Thai star is motivated to learn English. To that end, she’s been working with an online tutor, taking English classes, and practicing the language at every opportunity she can find.

Fairtex gave an honest take on her vocabulary

While Stamp admits that her English isn’t quite at the level she’d like it to be, she’s happy with her progress and feels plenty comfortable interacting with her adoring American fans.

“I still have to rely on an interpreter to help me in on-stage interviews in ONE because this show is broadcast live all over the world. You should speak correctly and officially. I am not yet an expert at that level. But off the stage and when I meet foreigners informally, I say hello and talk to them without a problem because I don’t have to think hard about pronunciation or grammar,” she added.

What’s your opinion on Stamp Fairtex’s decision to learn a new language on her own? Do you believe she can win against Denice Zamboanga? State your thoughts in the comments below.