Denice Zamboanga won’t get her shot at the ONE Atomweight MMA World Championship at ONE 167.
However, the talented Filipina will remain on the June 7 card with a new opponent, Noelle Grandjean.
Grandjean replaces the injured Stamp Fairtex, and the match will give her a massive opportunity to rebound after a tough loss to Chihiro Sawada in May.
The quick turnaround against the division’s Number 2-ranked contender could thrust “Lil’ Monkey” right into the title chase.
Grandjean has a decorated judo background and came into ONE Championship as an undefeated prospect. However, the level of competition has made it difficult to find consistency on the global stage.
Zamboanga will be out to retain her spot in the division. The atomweight contender will also want to send a message to Stamp with an empathetic performance and set the stage for their title tilt later this year.
“The Menace” won back-to-back matches against Lin Heqin and Julie Mezabarba to earn her shot at the gold. Now, she will need to make it three straight wins to keep that hope alive. Zamboanga will also be pushing herself to earn her first finish since 2020.
The pressure will be on the 27-year-old, who could drop back to the end of the line with a loss. If there is any lack of motivation from Zamboanga, Grandjean could pull off a stunning upset in Bangkok at the Impact Arena.
ONE 167 airs live on Friday, June 7, on Prime Video. The action begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and is free for all Amazon Prime members in the U.S. and Canada.