Denice “The Menace” Zamboanga wants to prove to everyone that she is indeed the best atomweight in ONE Championship.
She’ll start walking that path on 28 May when she represents the Philippines in the upcoming ONE Atomweight World Grand Prix.
ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong broke the news on Wednesday evening, naming all the participants in the biggest grand prix in women’s mixed martial arts history.
The winner, to add, will get a shot at ONE Atomweight World Champion “Unstoppable” Angela Lee later this year.
“The ONE Atomweight World Grand Prix kicks off May 28! Bar none, it is the single greatest female world grand prix in the history of martial arts,” Sityodtong said.
“The ultimate winner will earn the right to face off against current ONE Atomweight World Champion Angela Lee in November for all of the marbles.”
Zamboanga, the #1 contender in the division, will be joined by the second-ranked Meng Bo and fifth-ranked Stamp Fairtex. Undefeated stars Ritu “The Indian Tigress” Phogat and Itsuki “Strong Heart Fighter” Hirata will appear in the tournament as well.
Alyona Rassohyna, fresh off a win over Stamp at ONE: UNBREAKABLE III early this February, got herself a spot in the tournament alongside debuting Alyse Anderson and Seo Hee Ham.
Though the bracket has yet to be decided, all eyes will certainly be on a potential clash between Zamboanga and Meng, especially after the two exchanged fiery words a few weeks ago.
“I am so pumped for this tournament. I’m looking forward to competing for this ultra prestigious title. This will be the most challenging competition that no female fighter in ONE Championship history has ever faced," Zamboanga said.
“To all the other female fighters who will be competing, it will be an honor to face you all in this tournament. A lot of people want to see me and Angela fight, so I will get the Grand Prix belt, and then I’m on to the Atomweight World Title at the end of 2021.”
Filipino fans may also be familiar with Phogat and Hirata, the young pair who dealt losses to Filipinas Jomary “The Zamboanginian Fighter” Torres and Angelie “D Explorer” Sabanal, respectively.
In the meantime, catch ONE: FISTS OF FURY this Friday, February 26, on One Sports and One Sports+ at 8:30 p.m. It will also air simultaneously for free on the ONE Super App.
TV5 will air the show on a next-day delay at 11 p.m. PHT on Saturday, February 27.
Also, catch your local entrepreneurs competing in a high-stakes reality TV show in the upcoming “The Apprentice: ONE Championship Edition” this March.
