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Denice Zamboanga has made it clear she’s not backing down after South Korean MMA veteran Ham Seo Hee expressed dissatisfaction with her receiving a shot at the ONE Interim Atomweight Title. Ham took to Instagram to vent her frustrations about Zamboanga’s opportunity, given that reigning champion Stamp Fairtex is sidelined due to a knee injury.
Zamboanga ranked No.2 in the division, was originally set to face No.4 ranked Alyona Rassohyna for the interim belt at ONE Fight Night 25 this October. However, a hamstring injury forced her to withdraw, leaving her unable to compete for the gold. Despite being out of the fight, "The Menace" wouldn’t let Ham's remarks go unanswered.
“I respect Ham Seo Hee, but it feels like she’s dismissing the struggles I’ve had to face to get here,” Zamboanga responded in an interview with Tiebreaker Times.
Zamboanga’s rise in the atomweight division wasn’t handed to her. She first shocked fans in 2020 with her upset victory over Mei Yamaguchi, which propelled her into the upper ranks. However, the journey since then has been far from easy. She clawed through tough matchups, earning her status as a legitimate title contender.
While Zamboanga was slated to challenge Stamp Fairtex earlier this year, the fight was repeatedly delayed and ultimately canceled due to Fairtex’s injury. Zamboanga believes the atom weight division needs fresh faces in title contention, particularly after Ham’s recent defeat to Stamp.
“She’s already had her chance. It’s time for others in the division to step up,” Zamboanga stated firmly. “This division can only move forward if more fighters get the chance to prove themselves.”
Zamboanga is determined to keep her spot at the top of the rankings.
“Everyone wants their shot, but I’ve earned my place in line,” she declared. “I’m not going to let anyone, including Ham, cut in front of me.”
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