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Zamboanga’s Journey: From Thailand to Philippines

Discover Denice Zamboanga’s inspiring journey from training in Thailand to her return to the Philippines. Follow ‘The Menace’ as she prepares to face Noelle Grandjean in an atomweight MMA bout at ONE 167.

Denice Zamboanga, also known as ‘The Menace,’ is proud to contribute to the growth of MMA in the Philippines. She reflects on her training in Thailand and her return to T-Rex MMA, aiming to elevate the standards of martial arts in her country. Zamboanga’s unexpected journey highlights her dedication to developing the next generation of athletes and her pursuit of a World Title shot.

Denice Zamboanga, also known as ‘The Menace,’ is making waves in the MMA world. Ahead of her upcoming bout against Noelle Grandjean, Zamboanga shares her experience training in Thailand and her return to the Philippines to contribute to the growth of T-Rex MMA. Find out how Zamboanga’s unexpected journey is shaping the future of martial arts in her country.


Denice Zamboanga, a rising star in the world of mixed martial arts, is proud to be a part of the development of MMA in the Philippines. As she gears up to face off against Noelle Grandjean in an atomweight MMA bout at ONE 167, Zamboanga reflects on her training experiences and the impact of her return to her homeland.

Zamboanga’s journey took her to Thailand, where she trained at the renowned Fairtex Training Center and Marrok Force gyms. During her time there, she had the opportunity to train with top fighters such as Stamp Fairtex, Nat ‘Wondergirl’ Jaroonsak, and her upcoming opponent, Grandjean.

Despite the valuable lessons learned abroad, Zamboanga felt compelled to bring her international training experience back to the Philippines. Alongside her brother, ONE bantamweight contender Drex Zamboanga, she now trains at T-Rex MMA, aiming to elevate the level of martial arts in her home country.

In a recent interview, Zamboanga expressed her enthusiasm for the training environment at T-Rex MMA, highlighting the dedication to maintaining the high standards she experienced in Thailand. She credits her brother for inspiring her martial arts journey and acknowledges that what was initially meant to be a short training stint turned into a permanent move.

Motivated by the success of other prominent gyms in the Philippines, such as Team Lakay and Lions Nation MMA, Zamboanga is committed to nurturing the next generation of athletes in her country. She recognizes the potential of T-Rex MMA to make a significant impact in the MMA scene, drawing inspiration from established gyms that have paved the way for aspiring fighters.

Originally set to challenge Stamp for the ONE Women’s Atomweight MMA World Title, Zamboanga’s focus has now shifted to her upcoming bout with Grandjean. As she aims to solidify her #2 ranking in the division, Zamboanga is determined to prove that she is deserving of a shot at the World Title.

Fans eagerly anticipate Zamboanga’s performance in the octagon, as she showcases her skills and determination on the path to MMA glory. Stay tuned for the thrilling showdown between Zamboanga and Grandjean at ONE 167, a spectacle not to be missed!


Fight Card Results:

Fighter Result Opponent
Denice Zamboanga Win Noelle Grandjean

Key Takeaways:

  • Zamboanga’s transition from training in Thailand to her return to the Philippines
  • The impact of Zamboanga’s presence on the development of MMA in the Philippines
  • Zamboanga’s journey towards a potential World Title shot