DENICE “The Menace” Zamboanga’s quest to become the first ever Filipina world champion in ONE Championship is truly bigger than her.
And count on a former Filipino world champion to voice his support to his compatriot.
Eduard “Landslide” Folayang admitted that it would be massive for the country’s burgeoning MMA scene if Zamboanga fulfills her dreams and become the ONE Women’s Atomweight MMA World Champion.
“Napakalaking karangalan para sa Pilipinas pag naging champion si Denice dahil historic ‘yan at marami siyang mai-inspire kung magagawa niya ‘yun,” said the Lions Nation MMA founder.
Zamboanga is bracing for her friend and defending champion Stamp Fairtex in the main event of ONE 167: Stamp vs. Zamboanga at Impact Arena in Bangkok on June 8.
Folayang knows that Zamboanga is more than capable of competing and showing that she deserves to be hailed among the best. It also helps that familiar faces in Zamboanga’s training camp are present with brother Drex “T-Rex” Zamboanga and fiance Fritz “Kid Tornado” Biagtan helping “The Menace” every step of the way.
“Tinitignan ko sa kanya is ‘yung wrestling and ground game kontra kay Stamp. Kailangan mas maganda ‘yung maging game plan niya kasi tested na siya sa striking, so kailangan niyang i-counter ‘yung mga strengths ni Stamp,” he said.
“Magandang bagay na rin na she has surrounded herself with the right people na magpu-push sa kanya to get that belt.”
Though odds may not favor Zamboanga in this clash against Stamp, Folayang reminded the challenger to keep her focus on the task at hand and not be distracted by outside forces.
After all, it’s this mentality which Landslide used when he shocked the world and won the ONE Lightweight MMA World Championship against Shinya “Tobikan Judan” Aoki back in 2016.
“No. 1 talaga ‘yung faith niya kay God na Siya ang magbibigay ng kalakasan for her to win. And syempre ‘yung magandang preparation niya talaga,” he said.