There is no stopping Denice Zamboanga when it comes to her desire in facing the reigning ONE atomweight champion Angela Lee.
"I’ve been waiting to fight her for such a long time now. I still think I deserve that fight. And so many fans want to see it. They want to see me fight Angela Lee," Zamboanga said in an interview with ONE Championship.
"The media have covered our fight a lot as well. And I think there’s just overwhelming interest to see this fight."
In a previous interview with Manila Bulletin, Zamboanga said no less than ONE Championship chief Chatri Sityodtong wanted to see the match against Lee materialize soon.
Zamboanga, however, decided to take a short break and spend the holidays in the Philippines with her family since being holed up training in Thailand for almost two years.
For Zamboanga though, it depends on Lee's dedication to return to the Circle after reaching a certain level of success in life.
Not only Lee remained as the atomweight queen but she also gave birth to her firstborn which prompted her hiatus last year.
"It really depends on how dedicated Angela to come back. She is a mother now, and she has reached a level of success that most of us only dream of. She might not have that burning desire to win anymore," said the Marrok Force fighter.
"Success changes people in different ways. We’ve seen it affect fighters like Ronda Rousey and Conor McGregor. It’s hard to stay at the top because every fight is your biggest fight ever. But then again, some fighters come back better than ever before."
Despite the continuous exchange of words, Zamboanga isn't about to underestimate the 25-year-old Evolve MMA talent.
"Angela has the tools, and I know she will do anything to keep the atomweight belt. But this is a mental game as much as it is physical. Angela has reached all of her dreams in this sport and has had a fantastic career. That kind of takes away from the fire."
Fight fans would have to wait a little further before ONE Championship decides to push the match next year.