“I’d fight anyone” - Denice Zamboanga open to fighting for interim gold, wants to stay active

Denice Zamboanga surged through a sudden change in ONE 167 by nabbing a unanimous decision over short-notice replacement for Noelle Grandjean.

'The Menace' scored her third win streak inside the Circle and strengthened her position as the top contender in the stacked atomweight division, but she's eyeing for more.

Speaking to Sportskeeda, the Filipina standout is willing to face any challengers if she's given the opportunity to claim the interim belt after an injury struck ONE women's atomweight MMA world champion Stamp Fairtex.

She said:

"I want to be active in this division. If I can get an interim or something else that will be great. For the [interim world title], I’d fight anyone."

Zamboanga also elaborated on why she thinks she deserves an interim title in interview with South China Morning Post:

"I think I deserve to fight an interim, because I have been waiting for this for so long. I’ve been in the ring for five years. Five years ago I was already in the ring, I was supposed to fight the champion, but yea, I think I really deserve to have an interim belt."

While nothing has yet to be set in stone, Zamboanga is likely to face any of the game challengers for her next fight, if not colliding with Stamp when she returns from her injury.

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Denice Zamboanga grateful for fans and family support

Although Denice Zamboanga had to face sudden changes in her opponent, she did not disappoint.

The No. 1-ranked atomweight contender claimed a decisive victory over Noelle Grandjean, marking her third victory with the world's largest martial arts organization.

After getting the 'W', Zamboanga spoke to Sportskeeda and quickly praised the support she had throughout the preparation and fight.

She expressed her utmost gratitude to those around her:

"I wanna thank my fans and my family just to fly with me and support me."

"I’m very grateful that I don’t have any injuries from the fight and that I won the fight."