‘Adapt And Overcome’ – Denice Zamboanga Unfazed By Change Of Opponent At ONE 167
Filipina sensation Denice “The Menace” Zamboanga isn’t worrying about the circumstances surrounding her fight at ONE 167: Tawanchai vs. Nattawut II on Prime Video this Friday, June 7.
The #2-ranked atomweight MMA contender was set to challenge divisional queen Stamp Fairtex for the belt in the main event, but after the Thai megastar was forced to withdraw due to a torn meniscus, Zamboanga accepted a late-notice clash against talented judoka Noelle “Lil’ Monkey” Grandjean.
That atomweight MMA contest will go down at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand, and for Zamboanga, it represents a must-win fight if she wants to keep her World Championship opportunity alive.
Indeed, accepting a new foe – and a dangerous one at that – is a risky proposition. But that’s exactly why “The Menace” is so hungry to deliver an impressive performance at ONE 167.
She told onefc.com:
“I’m incredibly motivated. This is my chance to prove that I’m ready for a title shot, regardless of the opponent. 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.”
Of course, switching opponents from a world-class striker like Stamp to a powerhouse grappler like Grandjean presents some difficulties.
Zamboanga admits that her training camp has taken an abrupt 180-degree turn – but the change hasn’t shaken her faith:
“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. It’s a different challenge, but I’m confident in my training and my ability to adapt.”
No matter what Grandjean throws at her on June 7, “The Menace” believes she will be ready.
And whether there is gold on the line or not, the Filipina standout says this battle is just another chance to demonstrate that she belongs at the top of the atomweight pecking order:
“It’s definitely challenging to face a different opponent so close to the fight, but I’m focused and ready. 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.”
Zamboanga Speaks On Past Training Sessions With Grandjean
Denice Zamboanga is plenty familiar with Noelle Grandjean, as the two women previously worked together at the famed Fairtex Training Center in Pattaya, Thailand.
While “The Menace” admits that she’s never been particularly close with Grandjean – unlike her close relationship with former training partner Stamp Fairtex – she gained a great deal of admiration from their time on the mats.
Now, she will carry the memories of their battles in the training room into their clash at ONE 167:
“Training with Noelle at Fairtex was a great experience. We were more like professional training partners back then. We talked, but we weren’t as close as I am with Stamp.
“Despite that, I have a lot of respect for her. She’s a really good fighter, and one thing I admired was that she doesn’t need to lose a lot of weight in every camp. Our intense sparring sessions and mutual encouragement are good memories that motivate me now.”
