Top-ranked women’s atomweight contender Denice Zamboanga and Filipino-American muay thai strawweight fighter Jackie Buntan are set to represent the Philippines in the historic all-female card in ONE: Empower Friday, Sept. 3 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

Zamboanga will lock horns with veteran South Korean opponent Seo Hee Ham in the inaugural women’s atomweight grand prix while Buntan hopes to continue her winning ways against Argentine foe Daniela Lopez, the twin sister of No. 5 atomweight muay thai contender Milagros.
The grand prix winner will get a direct shot at the title against current atomweight champion Angela Lee, who went on a hiatus in the sport due to pregnancy.
Zamboanga accepted the challenge of taking on a seasoned fighter in Seo, who dominated the Rizin Fighting Federation’s atomweight division before jumping ship to the Singapore-based promotion this year.
“For me, it doesn’t really matter who I am going to fight in the first round. But having Seo Hee Ham first is a great match for me because I think she is a very dangerous opponent,” said the unbeaten Filipina, who holds a perfect 8-0 record with three promotional wins.
“So if I get through her in the first round, I think the next round would be easier for me. Every time I fight, for most of my fights, I am always given very experienced fighters. I think this one is a great challenge for me.”
Buntan, for her part, has set sights on the strawweight muay thai title, believing that a victory against Lopez will improve her chances on the crack at the belt.
Buntan, of Filipino descent, rides on a two-match win streak since her promotional debut in February against Thai rising star Wondergirl Fairtex and recently against Ekaterina Vandaryeva of Belarus.
“This will be my third fight with ONE Championship, but yes I think, if you know, when I win this fight I will definitely still fight and be a top contender and we’re going to have a title shot soon,” said Buntan.