It will be a clash between the Philippines and Thailand in the Circle in ONE: New Breed Friday night in Bangkok.
Zamboanga siblings, Denice and Drex, will participate in the mixed martial arts bouts while newcomer Filipino-American KC Carlos will lock horns with top muay thai prospect Wondergirl Fairtex in the strawweight division.
READ: Fil-Am rookie KC Carlos takes on Thai Wondergirl Fairtex in muay thai bout
Though the Zamboanga siblings have competed side-by-side in the amateur ranks, it will be a different stage this time as the two -- perhaps for the first time in Philippine MMA and combat sports history -- join forces in the same card.
Drex faces an acid test in his debut fight in the promotion against Detchadin Sornsirisuphatin in the flyweight bout while Denice will brawl with Watsapinya Kaewkhong in the atomweight division.
READ: Drex Zamboanga looks to leave lasting impression ahead of debut
The 23-year-old Denice expressed excitement for the upcoming event, especially since her brother will be alongside, not only as a coach but as teammate as well.
“Masaya ako sobra kasi kasama ko si kuya tapos makakasama ko siya sa big event,” Denice told Filipino scribes in an online conference Wednesday night. “Kasama ko pa sa same card, lalo na debut niya. Gusto niya kasi kung nasaan ako, nandon din siya.”
The 27-year-old Drex, who holds a 7-5 professional MMA record, echoed his sister’s sentiments: “Napakasaya ko po. Kasi una, debut ko po dito sa ONE, tapos first time din po na lalaro kami na sabay.”
“Masaya po ako kasi ‘yung expectation niya sa akin as a kuya nandoon pa rin – ‘yung respect niya sa akin as a kuya, hindi lang as a coach. May responsibility din ako sa kanya. Parehas tayong ONE Championship athlete kailangan parehas tayo magtulungan,” the former URCC champion added.
READ: Denice and Drex Zamboanga want to become world champions – like the Lee siblings
The Zamboanga siblings are both training in Bangkok.
“Mas focus ‘yung training ko kapag nandito ako. Mas prefer ko po na nasa Thailand ako if I have fights,” said the undefeated Denice, boasting off a 4-0 MMA slate.
The three fights will serve as undercards for the main event between atomweight muay thai champion Stamp Fairtex and Allycia Hellen Rodrigues.
ONE: New Breed is set in a closed-door and audience-free setup due to health protocols amid the coronavirus pandemic.