Second-ranked atomweight MMA contender Denice “The Menace” Zamboanga is sticking to the positives despite losing yet another shot at a ONE World Title.
With ONE Atomweight MMA World Champion Stamp Fairtex pulling out of their championship showdown last week because of a torn meniscus, Zamboanga will now put her top contender status on the line when she battles Noelle Grandjean at ONE 167: Tawanchai vs. Nattawut II on 8 June at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.
Zamboanga could’ve easily waited for Stamp to recover and take her chances then, but the Filipina isn’t built that way.
Always betting on herself, “The Menace” opted to stay active and is grateful that ONE still gave her the chance to compete.
“Let’s pray for a fast recovery for our champ,” Zamboanga said.
“We didn’t expect these things to happen. [To all my fans] thank you for all your messages, I’m doing okay. I’m thankful that ONE Championship and Khun Chatri [Sityodtong] has given me a chance to still fight on [June 8],” she added.
“We will not give up on this dream. We will still continue to work hard to get the chance to fight for the World Championship again. God has purpose in everything. Just keep on trusting him.”
With this move, Zamboanga risks once again losing her status as this division’s next title challenger, with Grandjean planning to use her as a stepping stone to the division’s elite.
For Zamboanga, such is the name of the game. People can either sulk or power through unexpected roadblocks.
This fight will prove her desire to overcome all obstacles and make her case for greatness even more undeniable.
“I don’t have any choice. I have to take it. I’ve been in this position before, I just have to suck it up and keep going,” Zamboanga said.
“Winning a ONE World Title is still my dream, and I want to take it home to the Philippines. Whether it’s delayed or postponed, I’ll accept it and continue to gun for it.”
