Denice Zamboanga says delayed ONE world title will make winning it sweeter: “I’m going to appreciate the moment more”

Filipino atomweight MMA contender Denice Zamboanga saw her world title shot opportunities flame out twice this year. She, however, is undeterred by those misfortunes, and believes that when she finally realizes her dreams, it will be doubly gratifying.

'The Menace' was initially penciled in to challege for the atomweight world title against reigning divisional queen Stamp Fairtex back in June. Unfortunately, the Thai superstar had to withdraw two weeks before their title showdown after tearing her meniscus.

When that fell through, the 27-year-old T-Rex MMA representative was set up for a showdown against Ukraine's Alyona Rasshohyna in October for the ONE interim atomwweight belt. Just when she thought all was good, it was her turn to beg off in the lead-up after sustaining a hamstring injury while in training.

Speaking to The MMA Superfan, Denice Zamboanga shared her thoughts on the twin world title shot setbacks, highlighting that while they are lamentable, she is just staying optimistic and committed to what she wants to accomplish.

She said:

"I've been through a lot and waited so long for this, I feel like once I get the belt it's going to be so much sweeter. I worked really hard and once it pays off I feel like I'm going to appreciate the moment more."

Watch the interview below:

Denice Zamboanga has long been angling for a world title shot, even during the time of former atomweight world champion and now-retired Angela Lee. But because of the maternity break that Lee had, the COVID-19 pandemic and the rough patch she hit (back-to-back losses in September 2021 and March 2022), the world title opportunity just did not come.

Denice Zamboanga riding a three-fight winning streak

In positioning for a world title shot this year, Denice Zamboanga rode a three-fight winning streak to rebound from the back-to-back losses she absorbed at the hands of South Korean Ham Seo Hee in September 2021 and March 2022.

She first edged Lin Heqin of China by split decision in their encounter in December 2022 in Manila. Four months later in Bangkok, she defeated Brazilian Julie Mezabarba by unanimous decision.

Denice Zamboanga's most recent victory came back in June over French-Thai fighter Noelle Grandjean by decision. Incidentally, the fight was a replacement one for what was supposed to be a title showdown between the Filipino fighter and and reigning atomweight MMA queen Stamp Frairtex, who pulled out because of injury.

Zamboanga made her ONE Championship debut in December 2019 and has a current record of 6-2. She is the No. 2 contender in the atomweight division.