For Denice Zamboanga, a chance to step back from the rigors of training could spell the difference between winning and losing.
This Saturday, March 26, the Filipina will tangle with old foe and #3-ranked atomweight MMA contender Ham Seo Hee at ONE X – and this time, she has redemption on her mind.
When the pair first met in the ONE Women’s Atomweight World Grand Prix quarterfinals last September, Ham earned a controversial split-decision victory.
Though Zamboanga was determined to quickly avenge that loss – the first in her career – she knew it was more important to catch her breath and recharge her batteries.
With that in mind, the 25-year-old star and her brother, Drex, flew from Bangkok to Quezon City in December so she could take her mind off the fight game and enjoy the company of her loved ones.
“I spent almost two months at home, and it was great because I’ve been away in Thailand for almost two years,” Zamboanga said.
“It was a long overdue vacation, and I wanted to make the most of it. I spent Christmas, New Year’s, and my birthday with the family. We spent every day together.
“I actually stopped training and almost never worked out during this time. I really missed my family a lot, so I made the most of it. Honestly, training was the last thing on my mind. I just wanted to have fun.”
While also at home, Zamboanga realized just how important her loved ones have become to her success.
After all, in a sport as demanding as mixed martial arts, some athletes tend to forget the value of rest and relaxation – something that the Filipina discovered first-hand when she returned to her home country.
“I’m very much motivated this time. I think the two-month break I took in the Philippines helped a lot. Seeing my family and getting to spend time with them has really helped me in so many ways,” she said.
“My family will always be behind me, a hundred percent. That’s really important to me. That’s what really motivates me. And now, I’m hungrier than ever to win this next fight.”
Now fully refreshed, Zamboanga can focus on the task at hand – earning redemption against Ham and accomplishing it in highlight-reel fashion.
“This time I’m going to finish her for sure,” the atomweight contender said, referring to her South Korean opponent.
“I’m going to take her down and submit her. Her biggest weakness is on the ground. I took her down whenever I wanted, and she couldn’t handle herself on the mat. I can finish her there.”