Zamboanga vows to showcase grappling game in upcoming ONE Championship fight

MANILA, Philippines -- More than grabbing her first ONE Championship title, Filipino mixed martial artist Denice Zamboanga is out to prove that she is the more superior grappler as she faces Alyona Rassohyna in their clash next year.

Zamboanga and Rassohyna will battle it out for the ONE Interim Atomweight MMA world championship at ONE Fight Night 27 on January 11, 2025 at the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok.

The Ukrainian has not competed since splitting her two fights against Stamp Fairtex back in February and September 2021.

Still, Zamboanga said that she wants to prove that she has the better ground game against her opponent.

“I haven’t seen her face a true grappler, or a wrestler,” she stressed.

“It’s always a striker, which allows her to dominate on the ground. In this fight, I’d like to prove that I’m a better grappler,” she added.

“The Menace” is coming off a three-game winning streak. She defeated Lin Heqin, Julie Mezabarba and Noelle Grandjean via decision in that span.

The Filipina is also eyeing to turn Rassohyna’s expected rust to her advantage. The latter went on hiatus after giving birth to her daughter.

“I feel like my main advantage would certainly be my activity. She hasn’t competed in a long time, and I’m way more active,” she said.

“I feel like she’s gonna come out hungry,” Zamboanga said. “Her hunger to win will be there. Her inspiration would be her family for sure.”