SECOND-ranked atomweight contender Denice “The Menace” Zamboanga knows better than to sulk after her world title aspirations were pushed back anew.
With less than three weeks to go until she was supposed to take on former training partner and good friend Stamp Fairtex for the latter’s ONE Atomweight MMA world title, the Thai superstar twisted her knee and tore her meniscus, prompting the only three-sport world champion to withdraw from the match.
Instead of waiting it out, though, Zamboanga chose to stay active. She now takes on Noelle Grandjean at ONE 167: Tawanchai vs. Nattawut II in a risky bout on June 8 at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.
READ: ONE: Zamboanga to be tested by hungry French-Thai foe
As unexpected as the turn of the events have been, the pride of the Philippines knows full well that's just way the fight game works.
“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 (championship) home to the Philippines. Whether it’s delayed or postponed, I’ll accept it and continue to gun for it.”
Learning from history
Indeed, it seems like history is repeating itself for the 26 year old, as back in 2020, the promotion's breakout star was ready to challenge then-ONE atomweight queen Angela Lee only to see the COVID-19 pandemic bring the world to a standstill. All that halted Zamboanga's momentum and pushed back her proposed title match.
Once normalcy returned, Lee became pregnant and a ONE Atomweight MMA World Grand Prix was put together while waiting for her eventual return. In that tournament, "The Menace" lost a controversial decision to veteran Ham Seo Hee, yet again denying her of a title shot.
Setting sights on the future
However, instead of focusing on the past, Zamboanga has opted to look toward the future as she prays for a quick recovery for Stamp while promising to keep going - world title fight or not.
“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 said.
“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.”
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