"I'm blessed to be still in the rankings" - Denice Zamboanga proud to leave a mark in stacked division after facing tough challenges

ONE women's atomweight MMA mainstay Denice Zamboanga has faced many challenges throughout her ONE Championship tenure, yet she is still among the division's most respected fighters.

The second-ranked ONE women's 115-pound MMA competitor let her emotions loose during a recent interview with The MMA Superfan:

"During the last few years, it was possible that I could have been out of the rankings at my time. The opportunity to fight for a world title shot could pass me easily. I'm so grateful and thankful because I'm blessed to be still in the rankings and I'm still a world title contender that people are watching out for until now."

Despite the Philippines' extensive history in combat sports, it has never had a Filipina MMA world champion. As such, 'The Menace' has made it her top priority to earn that distinction.

She will have that opportunity when she faces Alyona Rassohyna for the ONE interim women's atomweight MMA world championship at ONE Fight Night 27 on Jan. 10, 2025, inside the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

The interim crown was activated in light of ONE women's atomweight MMA queen Stamp Fairtex still working her way back to fighting condition from a torn meniscus in her left knee earlier this year.

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Denice Zamboanga's fiancée Fritz Biagtan credits her relentless drive

Denice Zamboanga has experienced the highs and lows of being a professional MMA fighter, though her fiancée and ONE flyweight MMA fighter Fritz Biagtan has seen how much she wants to achieve her goals.

Speaking recently with ABS-CBN Sports, 'Kid Tornado' stated:

"Denice never stops. She's open to learning. She opens herself up to taking in new techniques, which keeps her improving. What we saw from her in her past fights, she'll be so much better this time."