A fiber optic connector assembly and related fabrication methods utilize thermoplastic adhesive material arranged between stripped regions of optical fibers and micro-passages of a ferrule body, with the thermoplastic material being configured to retain a plurality of optical fibers. A fabrication method includes providing a thermal gradient between front and rear end faces of the ferrule body, causing stripped portions of optical fibers to extend through molten thermoplastic adhesive arranged between the fibers and ferrule micro-passages, and allowing the thermoplastic adhesive to solidify. This thermal gradient permits the thermoplastic material to achieve a sufficiently high temperature without compromising dimensional integrity of the front end face.