DENICE 'The Menace' Zamboanga doesn’t need any additional motivation for her upcoming fight, but she’s taking all the support she can get.
The No. 2-ranked atomweight contender is set to challenge former training partner and good friend Stamp Fairtex for the ONE Atomweight MMA world championship at ONE 167 on June 8 at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.
With the opportunity to fulfill her longtime dream of becoming a ONE world champion, Zamboanga is highly motivated. However, the backing from her compatriots provides her with an extra boost.
Pacio, Folayang pitch in
From reigning ONE Strawweight MMA world champion Joshua Pacio to former two-time lightweight MMA king Eduard Folayang to Team Lakay head coach Mark Sangiao, Zamboanga enjoys robust support ahead of her monumental showdown.
And she promises not to let them down.
“Having legends like Eduard Folayang and others throw their support behind me is an unbelievable feeling,” she said.
“That’s a huge impact on my confidence. They’re messaging me and sharing words of support on social media and in the press. It inspires me to push further.”
In addition to this external support, Zamboanga also relies heavily on her brother Drex.
From competing in local Philippine promotions to moving to Thailand, Drex has been a constant presence in her corner as she prepares for this potential history-making fight with Stamp.
Her fiancé and ONE Friday Fights star Fritz Biagtan, who serves as her strength and conditioning coach, also plays a crucial role in her camp.
For Zamboanga, she has everything she needs to pull off the upset.
“I’m thankful to have people that I’m really comfortable working with behind me,” she said.
“I’m grateful to have them as my constants since the beginning of my career, from when I started with zero up until I entered ONE Championship, and now as I’m close to making history. Having people I’m familiar with gives me confidence in training sessions.”
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