By Jun Ray Navarres
With an 8-0 record, top women’s atomweight contender Denice “The Menace” Zamboanga is an early favorite to win the upcoming ONE Atomweight Grand Prix.
However, a tall ordeal stands in front of the favored Filipina fighter.
“The Menace” drew South Korean veteran Seo Hee Ham for her first match.
Ham is the most experienced fighter in the roster carrying a 23-8 record from fighting in different promotions like Deep, Jewels, Road FC, and the UFC and also a former Rizin Atomweight Champion before shifting to ONE Championship.
“Ham is a very experienced fighter, the most experienced out of all of us. I’m not taking her lightly by any means. She’s held multiple world titles in different organizations, and she’s a legit, well-rounded striker,” said Zamboanga.
In spite of being a newcomer in the Singapore-based promotion, Ham isn’t new to mixed martial arts and Zamboanga knew exactly what lies in front of her and has been making necessary preparations to take on the Korean veteran.
“My team and I are studying her previous fights for sure, looking for anything we can exploit. But I don’t see any weaknesses in her. She’s a complete fighter. We know she’s incredible with her hands, and she’s a southpaw. I don’t have much experience facing southpaws. Her straight punch is her most dangerous weapon,” said the 24-year-old Filipina.
Zamboanga also knew that she will be heading into the fight as an underdog despite being the no. 1 contender in the division.
“It’s going to be a tough challenge, no doubt. I think this is the biggest challenge I could face in this tournament, especially for a first-round matchup. But this is what I live for, to test myself against the best,” said Zamboanga.
“I didn’t get to where I am by facing easy opponents. I’m heading into this fight with the best Denice Zamboanga version you’ve ever seen.”
Aside from Zamboanga and Ham, other bouts include Meng Bo vs. Ritu Phogat, Stamp Fairtex vs. (3) Alyona Rassohyna II, and Itsuki Hirata vs. Alyse Anderson.
The winner of the Grand Prix will have a chance at challenging the reigning ONE Women’s Atomweight World Champion “Unstoppable” Angela Lee.
Follow the writer on Twitter: @burnsports
