Denice Zamboanga looks to 'adapt and overcome' vs. new foe | ABS-CBN
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Denice Zamboanga looks to 'adapt and overcome' vs. new foe
Denice Zamboanga looks to 'adapt and overcome' vs. new foe
ABS-CBN News
Published Jun 05, 2024 07:00 AM PHT
Filipina MMA fighter Denice Zamboanga. Handout/ONE Championship
Filipina MMA fighter Denice Zamboanga. Handout/ONE ChampionshipMANILA -- Denice Zamboanga has already moved on from the disappointment of losing her shot at the ONE Atomweight MMA World Title, and is focused on a new challenge.
MANILA -- Denice Zamboanga has already moved on from the disappointment of losing her shot at the ONE Atomweight MMA World Title, and is focused on a new challenge.
Zamboanga was supposed to challenge Stamp Fairtex for the belt at ONE 167, but the reigning champion had to withdraw from the bout after suffering an injury less than three weeks from fight night.
Zamboanga was supposed to challenge Stamp Fairtex for the belt at ONE 167, but the reigning champion had to withdraw from the bout after suffering an injury less than three weeks from fight night.
Instead, "The Menace" will take on Noelle "Lil Monkey" on Friday at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.
Instead, "The Menace" will take on Noelle "Lil Monkey" on Friday at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.
Zamboanga insists she has not been shaken up by the last-minute change.
Zamboanga insists she has not been shaken up by the last-minute change.
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"It's definitely challenging to face a different opponent so close to the fight, but I'm focused and ready," she said. "My mentality is to adapt and overcome. Every fight is an opportunity to show my skills and resilience, regardless of who is standing across from me."
"It's definitely challenging to face a different opponent so close to the fight, but I'm focused and ready," she said. "My mentality is to adapt and overcome. Every fight is an opportunity to show my skills and resilience, regardless of who is standing across from me."
Against Stamp, Zamboanga was on the lookout for the Thai's striking ability, as the former had already won ONE World Titles in Muay Thai and kickboxing.
Against Stamp, Zamboanga was on the lookout for the Thai's striking ability, as the former had already won ONE World Titles in Muay Thai and kickboxing.
Grandjean is an entirely different opponent, however, and Zamboanga is bracing for her opponent's ground game. Grandjean is a multi-time judo world champion who has now immersed herself in mixed martial arts.
Grandjean is an entirely different opponent, however, and Zamboanga is bracing for her opponent's ground game. Grandjean is a multi-time judo world champion who has now immersed herself in mixed martial arts.
"The shift in preparation has been significant. Training for Stamp meant focusing heavily on striking and Muay Thai techniques. With Noelle, I’ve had to adjust my game plan to focus more on grappling and takedown defense," said Zamboanga.
"The shift in preparation has been significant. Training for Stamp meant focusing heavily on striking and Muay Thai techniques. With Noelle, I’ve had to adjust my game plan to focus more on grappling and takedown defense," said Zamboanga.
"It's a different challenge, but I'm confident in my training and my ability to adapt," she added.
"It's a different challenge, but I'm confident in my training and my ability to adapt," she added.
Zamboanga is aware of the risk that she is taking by agreeing to fight a late replacement, but she remains locked in.
Zamboanga is aware of the risk that she is taking by agreeing to fight a late replacement, but she remains locked in.
"I'm incredibly motivated. This is my chance to prove that I'm ready for a title shot, regardless of the opponent," she said. "Every fight is a step towards my ultimate goal, and I'm determined to show that I deserve to be in contention for the belt. My motivation is higher than ever, and I'm ready to give it my all in the cage."
"I'm incredibly motivated. This is my chance to prove that I'm ready for a title shot, regardless of the opponent," she said. "Every fight is a step towards my ultimate goal, and I'm determined to show that I deserve to be in contention for the belt. My motivation is higher than ever, and I'm ready to give it my all in the cage."
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