Coming off a successful ONE Championship debut last August, Drex Zamboanga wants no less than the flyweight world title before he sets his mission to a higher weight division.
"I learned that in order to continue evolving as a fighter, perfecting the gameplan is the key to victory. Selecting the right team is very important," said the 31-year-old Marrok Force fighter, who's been holed up in their Thailand training camp for months now with his sister and No. 1 atomweight contender Denice Zamboanga.
"My goal is to become a world champion. I won't be satisfied until I have reached that goal. I will do everything in my power to overcome any challenge that is put in front me."
Despite the coronavirus pandemic, Zamboanga said year 2020 has been good to him as far as his mixed martial arts career is concerned.
Drex submitted Thai foe Detchadin Srosirisuphatin in the second round with a rear-naked choke while Denice remained undefeated in five fights after finishing another Thai opponent in Watsapinya Kaewkhong with an Americana lock in ONE: A New Breed in Bangkok, Thailand.
The Zamboanga siblings decided to return to the Philippines and spend the holidays with their family after their August bout but travel restrictions prompted the two to continue training with Marrok Force instead.
Sooner or later, the older Zamboanga wants a heavier challenge, literally, when he's done with his first mission.
"Another goal of mine is moving up to a higher weight class," said Zamboanga, who holds a 9-5 record. "I think any fighter in the bantamweight division is good. They are all great fighters. I've been training hard here in Thailand and I can't wait to get back in there and put on a good show for all the fans."
The flyweight ranks include the likes of reigning world champion Adriano Moraes, former UFC veteran Demetriout Johnson (No. 1) and compatriot Danny Kingad of Team Lakay (No.2) while the bantamweight division consists of titleholder Bibiano Fernandes, former UFC fighter John Lineker (No.1), Shoko Sato (No. 2), and Team Lakay's Kevin Belingon (No. 3).