Denice Zamboanga was slated for a chance at ONE Championship’s biggest atomweight prize at ONE 167. However, ONE Atomweight MMA World Champion Stamp Fairtex tore her meniscus and withdrew from the main event. On Friday, June 7, Zamboanga will remain on the card and await a challenge from Noelle Grandjean.
Major Atomweight Fight Slated for ONE 167
The matchup will be a stern test for both women. Grandjean will hope to pull off an upset and leap into the thick of the title chase. Zamboanga will attempt to defend her position as the #2-ranked atomweight contender and send a message to Stamp that she will be there awaiting her return to action.
Grandjean entered ONE as an unbeaten up-and-comer. After an impressive debut, Grandjean found consistency would be her biggest adversary by exchanging wins and losses. In her last outing in May, she suffered a unanimous decision defeat to Chihiro Sawada.
Zamboanga has put together two victories by decision. In December 2022, she beat Lin Heqin by a split decision before returning in April 2023 to beat Julie Mezabarba unanimously. Against Grandjean, “The Menace” will look to earn her first finish since 2020.
Although remaining on the card is a commendable effort from Zamboanga, it is a high-risk proposition. The Filipina star has everything to lose, and Grandjean has everything to gain. The high-stakes atomweight affair will be an interesting battle on a night of stacked matchups from Bangkok, Thailand.
ONE 167: Tawanchai vs. Nattawut II airs live on Friday, June 7. The action begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. The event is free for all Amazon Prime members based in the U.S. and Canada.
