WATCH: Filipino star Denice Zamboanga showcases her evolution in dominant grappling display against Noelle Grandjean

Noelle Grandjean (left), Denice Zamboanga (right) [Photo via ONE Championship]
Noelle Grandjean (left), Denice Zamboanga (right) [Photo via ONE Championship]

Before Denice Zamboanga vies for an intricately crafted belt at ONE Fight Night 27 on Friday, Jan. 10, her last outing underscored her growth as a mixed martial artist.

‘The Menace' was last seen in action in June 2024 at ONE 167, where she faced Noelle Grandjean in a women’s atomweight MMA clash.

Watch the highlights of that matchup below:

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Originally, Zamboanga was slated to take on her friend and former teammate, Stamp Fairtex, for the divisional crown. However, the Thai megastar was forced to withdraw due to a torn meniscus that she sustained in sparring two weeks prior to the event.

As a result, Grandjean stepped in to challenge Zamboanga and aimed to disrupt her title aspirations.

Zamboanga, however, proved she was more than ready for a shot at the coveted gold. From the opening bell, she set a relentless pace, using her superior boxing skills to control the flow of the bout.

Her right hand repeatedly found its mark, landing solid shots to Grandjean’s head and giving Zamboanga an early advantage.

Despite Grandjean’s attempt to gain control with a well-timed judo throw, the Filipina demonstrated her versatility and composure. She reversed the position, securing her opponent’s back and applying a body triangle. Zamboanga then went in search of a rear-naked choke, nearly finishing the fight in the first round.

In the second round, Zamboanga’s dominance continued. She weathered Grandjean’s forward pressure, maintaining control in the stand-up exchanges with calm precision. Her striking accuracy and power were on full display, as she repeatedly landed punches while neutralizing her opponent’s counter-attacks.

By the third round, the damage to Grandjean was clear, yet the No. 2-ranked atomweight MMA contender remained relentless in her pursuit. Her high-output combinations and sustained activity kept Grandjean on the back foot, preventing any real counteroffensive.

In the end, the judges' decision was a mere formality as Zamboanga cruised to a unanimous decision victory.


Denice Zamboanga faces Alyona Rassohyna at ONE Fight Night 27

With Stamp Fairtex still recovering from her injury, Denice Zamboanga will now compete for the ONE interim women’s atomweight MMA world championship against Alyona Rassohyna at ONE Fight Night 27 at the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

The event will air live in the United States and Canada on Prime Video, available for free to subscribers.

Follow One Championship News, Schedule & Results at Sportskeeda.

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Edited by Tejas Rathi
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