Julie Mezabarba’s win over Mei Yamaguchi at ONE: EMPOWER last month proved that she’s ready to fight her way to the very top of the atomweight division. 

The bout – Mezabarba’s first in ONE Championship – was set in order to find an alternate for the ONE Women’s Atomweight World Grand Prix, in case any one of the competitors had to pull out.

Now, with Ham Seo Hee having to give up her spot due to injury, the Brazilian athlete will take on Stamp Fairtex in the ONE Women’s Atomweight World Grand Prix semifinals at ONE: NEXTGEN on October 29.

Julie Mezabarba on Mei Yamaguchi

Mezabarba dominated the Japanese veteran at the historic event and utilized her height and reach advantage to perfection. Her takedown defense and volume of striking were too much for Yamaguchi, and in the end, the debutant took a convincing unanimous decision win.

“I knew that Mei was a very experienced athlete,” she said. “She’s a veteran of the game, so I understood that there was no margin for error. There was no room for me to make any mistakes. And it was my first time in the Circle, so I had to make an impression.”

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That win against a highly experienced contender was her biggest victory to date, and she believes it has prepared her for the level of competition she can expect to face in ONE Championship.

“That victory obviously gave me a lot of confidence because I beat a high-level athlete that people hold in high regard,” she said.

“[But] I know I can do even better.”

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Mezabarba on Stamp Fairtex

Julie Mezabarba will look to take things to the next level against Stamp, who is one of the most dangerous fighters in the division.

The Thai star is a Muay Thai specialist and has held the ONE Atomweight Kickboxing and Muay Thai World Titles. In August 2019, she switched to mixed martial arts in search of a third world title in a different discipline – and has enjoyed an impressive slate since.

The 28-year-old Brazilian respects her rival and knows how dangerous she can be, but the motivation of the tough test ahead has helped her to spot a path to victory.

‘She’s an Above Average Fighter’ – Stamp Fairtex Shares Her Thoughts on Her Next Opponent Julie Mezabarba

“I think Stamp is a tremendous athlete,” Mezabarba stated.

“What she has accomplished in the ONE Championship organization, in such little time, is inspiring. She’s a huge name in Muay Thai, and so far, she has transitioned well to MMA. She has really improved and evolved her grappling game.”

“But I think my game is more complete than her’s [Stamp]. I have nothing against her. She’s a great fighter.”

A win on October 29 will bring her closer to achieving her dream of capturing the world title. But for now, Stamp is the only thing on her mind.

“Right now, I feel great. I’m prepared for the next round. My goal is to become a ONE World Champion. I’m ready for this moment in every way,” she said.

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