Drex “T-Rex” Zamboanga insists that it’s going to be all business when he returns to the Philippines to face his compatriot in a bantamweight MMA bout.
Zamboanga will welcome “ONE Warrior Series Philippines” winner Adonis Sevilleno to The Home of Martial Arts when they tangle on the lead card of ONE 164: Pacio vs. Brooks this Saturday, 3 December, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila.
The 29-year-old Filipino has no problems fighting his countryman, noting that while he respects the ONE newcomer, they have a job to do as martial artists.
“I’ve actually known Adonis since we were both starting in the MMA scene,” Zamboanga said during the ONE 164 press conference at the Solaire Theater on Wednesday, 30 November.
“But this fight is very important for me. It’s in my home country, and I’m fighting in front of my family. As a martial artist, it’s my duty to fight and show [to the world] how Filipino warriors are.”
The T-Rex MMA representative has seen Sevilleno go from a young MMA prospect to winning “ONE Warrior Series.” That, coupled with the fact that Sevilleno has been training with Team Lakay, means Zamboanga expects nothing but the best from him.
“I know how tough the challenges he faced [on ‘ONE Warrior Series’ [were] and the training that [he’s gone] through, especially now since he’s with Team Lakay,” Zamboanga said.
“But it is what it is you. Sometimes you need to fight your friend. As I’ve said, as a martial artist it’s my job to fight, even if it’s against a fellow Filipino. It’s my duty.”
He’ll be extra motivated to get the win, especially since he’s fighting on the same day as his sister, Denice Zamboanga, who takes on Lin Heqin on the morning card of ONE Fight Night 5.
It will also be the first time they’ll be bannering T-Rex MMA together. The Zamboangas departed from Marrok Force in Thailand amicably last month.
“It’s very overwhelming. I’ve been training with my sister ever since we both started our careers, and now we’re here,” he said.
“We’re here in our home country, fighting on the same day, on one big card. This is the first time we’ll be competing [under the ONE banner together], and I’m very excited for this.”
Tickets for ONE Fight Night 5 and ONE 164: Pacio vs. Brooks at the Mall of Asia Arena on 3 December are available at https://linktr.ee/ONEPH.