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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider ONE: Drex Zamboanga ready for debut despite looming expectations

ONE: Drex Zamboanga ready for debut despite looming expectations

Published Aug 28, 2020 02:05 pm
Drex Zamboanga
Drex Zamboanga

Former URCC champion Drex Zamboanga is ready to make a statement when he steps in the Circle for his much awaited debut in ONE Championship.

Despite the excitement as a newcomer, Zamboanga is no stranger in mixed martial arts. Still, he knows what’s ahead of him, considering that ONE Championship is world-class level.

“Nakaka-excite ‘to,” the 27-year-old Zamboanga told Filipino reporters Wednesday night in an online conference. “Matagal na ako sa larangan ng mixed martial arts pero ‘yung feeling na makatungtong sa biggest stage ng Asia, ng MMA, ibang level ‘yun.”

READ: Brother-sister tandem, Fil-Am carry load for Team PH in ONE: New Breed

Expectations, however, mount in front of Zamboanga as someone who bounced back from three straight losses.

Zamboanga suffered defeats from the likes of Yutaka Saito, Gi Bum Moon and Keita Ishibashi before redeeming himself in a stoppage win against Seung Hyun Cho in the URCC.

These losses, for Zamboanga, won’t be a hindrance in achieving his goal for a breakthrough in ONE Championship.

“’Yung three losses ko ‘yung parang naging motivation ko sa training ko, at the same time sa mga fights ko. Mas nagpursigi ako,” Zamboanga said, adding that it became a good learning experience for him.

READ: Drex Zamboanga looks to leave lasting impression ahead of debut

While it may not look clean in the records, Zamboanga realized that having these experiences is essential for growth as a fighter since he was able to brawl against top-caliber athletes.

“Laki nang naging difference. Mas nakapag-aral pa ‘yung katawan ko, mas naging mautak ako sa laro,” he added.

“Siempre maraming taong mag-eexpect kasi naging champion sa URCC, they will expect na ire-represent ko ‘yung pagiging champion.”

Zamboanga is set to face Thai foe Detchadin Sornsirisuphatin in the flyweight bout of ONE: New Breed Friday night in Bangkok. He will be joining his sister Denice in the undercard.

READ: Denice and Drex Zamboanga want to become world champions – like the Lee siblings

Related Tags

Drex Zamboanga ONE: New Breed Denice Zamboanga ONE Championship ONE
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