Veteran South Korean fighter Seo Hee Ham isn't putting her guard down against No. 1 atomweight contender Denice Zamboanga when they meet in their first-round clash in the inaugural ONE women's atomweight grand prix at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on May 28.
While Seo's mantra is to enjoy each bout, facing Zamboanga is kind of a different story for the seasoned mixed martial artist from South Korea.
"I know for sure that this won't be an easy fight," said Seo, who holds a 23-8 record, in Korean with the help of a translator during a recent global media availability for ONE: Empower, a historic all-female card.
READ: Zamboanga expects tough challenge against South Korean foe
Seo, 34, is expecting a "very hard fight" to the point that both fighters may end up losing steam and becoming "very tired."
The former Rizin Fighting Federation atomweight champion is not about to underestimate a much younger opponent in Zamboanga, 24.
READ: Zamboanga out to prove doubters wrong in atomweight grand prix
Seo is currently riding on a six-match win streak while Zamboanga is still undefeated in eight bouts, winning three straight times in the Singapore-based promotion against Watsapinya Kaewkhong of Thailand, Mei Yamaguchi of Japan, and Jihin Radzuan of Malaysia to reach the No. 1 seat.
For Seo, joining ONE Championship is the biggest accomplishment she had as far as her MMA career is concerned. She also considered the new promotion to be "probably the last challenge" of her fighting career.
The winner between Zamboanga and Seo, will face the victor between Stamp Fairtex of Thailand, former teammate of the Filipina fighter, and Alyona Rassohyna of Ukraine.
The grand prix champion will take a crack at the belt against reigning atomweight queen Angela Lee in November.