Undefeated Filipino fighter Denice Zamboanga is expecting a big test ahead of her first-round clash with South Korean foe Seo Hee Ham in the inaugural women's atomweight grand prix in May.
"I think this is the biggest challenge I could face in this tournament, especially for a first-round matchup. But this is what I live for, to test myself against the best," said Zamboanga, who holds an 8-0 record, including three wins in ONE Championship. "I didn't get to where I am by facing easy opponents. I'm heading into this fight with the best Denice Zamboanga you've ever seen."
Read: Zamboanga to face South Korean foe in first round of atomweight grand prix
The 24-year-old Filipino isn't taking Ham lightly as the Korean veteran boasts a six-match win streak with a 23-8 overall record.
Zamboanga said her team, Marrok Force, has been laying down strategies to combat the striking prowess of Ham, who she described as a "complete fighter" without any weaknesses.
"We know she's incredible with her hands, and she's a southpaw. I don't have much experience facing southpaws. Her straight punch is her most dangerous weapon," said Zamboanga.
Despite being a newcomer in the Singapore-based promotion, Ham is no stranger to mixed martial arts, having competed in several promotions.
Ham, 34, used to compete in UFC Fight Night, winning once in three bouts and was Rizin Fighting Federation's atomweight queen before jumping ship to ONE.
Zamboanga, for her part, had hauled three wins in ONE against Watsapinya Kaewkhong of Thailand, Mei Yamaguchi of Japan, Jihin Radzuan of Malaysia.
The quarterfinals of the atomweight grand prix are part of the all-female card in ONE: Empower on May 28, Friday.
Other matchups are Meng Bo of China against Ritu Phogat of India; Itsuki Hirata of Japan against Alyse Anderson of America; Stamp Fairtex of Thailand against Alyona Rassohyna of Ukraine.
Should Zamboanga advance, she will face the winner between Stamp and Rassohyna. The grand prix champion will take a crack at the belt against reigning atomweight titleholder Angela Lee in November.