Now that Denice “The Menace” Zamboanga is fully healthy, she’s back in the running for ONE Championship gold.
The #2-ranked Filipina’s postponed bout against Ukrainian MMA star Alyona Rassohyna has a date. They’ll tangle for the ONE Interim Atomweight MMA World Title at ONE Fight Night 27 on January 11, 2025, inside Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Zamboanga was slated to face ONE Atomweight MMA World Champion Stamp Fairtex earlier this year, but a torn meniscus put the Thai superstar on the shelf. It also forced Zamboanga to compete for an interim title, something she was supposed to do in October.
But Zamboanga’s own hamstring injury forced her to pull out of that match against Rassohyna. Now healed up, she’s excited to finally get her long-awaited shot at gold.
“I’m really excited for this fight against Alyona Rassohyna. She’s a tough, skilled opponent, and I know it won’t be easy,” the Filipina said.
“But I’ve been training hard, and I’m determined to bring that belt to the Philippines.”
A win here and her next bout could certainly come against Stamp. Once there, she’ll get the chance to unify belts and be named the undisputed ONE Atomweight MMA World Champion.
But to accomplish that, she must be at her best against Rassohyna, a fighter who already owns a win over Stamp.
“To my friend Stamp, wishing you a quick recovery! Once you’re back, I can’t wait for us to meet in the Circle,” Zamboanga said.
“But for now, my focus is on this fight with Alyona and making the most of this chance.”
