"It's her time" | Joshua Pacio has full confidence that Denice Zamboanga will join him as ONE World Champion

ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion Joshua “The Passion” Pacio expects the Philippines to have another champion in less than a month. 

 

The Lions Nation MMA standout is confident that Denice “The Menace” Zamboanga will make history when she challenges Stamp Fairtex for the latter’s ONE Atomweight MMA World Championship at ONE 167 on 8 June in Bangkok, Thailand. 

 

They were originally supposed to meet at ONE 166: Qatar in March before the match was moved to banner ONE’s return to the Impact Arena. 

 

Regardless of how Pacio won the world title from Jarred Brooks, he held his end of the bargain, and he expects Zamboanga to finish her own story.  

 

“I have full faith in Denice that she’ll be taking home that belt. This is 100 percent confidence. It’s her time,” he said. 

 

Aside from getting another ONE world champion for the Philippines – the first time the proud fighting country would hold two belts in the promotion since 2020 – “The Passion” believes this match means so much more to female fighters. 

 

With mostly men being attracted to MMA in the Philippines, Pacio believes that a Zamboanga win would change the way people look at the all-encompassing sport in the country, and he’s all for it.  

 

“This is the dream of every athlete. And I know that if she wins, it’s gonna be such a momentous event for our aspiring female athletes who would certainly be inspired to follow in her footsteps and train even harder,” Pacio said. 

 

“This is a statement fight for Denice. If the men can do it, then certainly the ladies can do it, as long as they put in the work, have faith, and discipline.” 

 

With less than three weeks to go until Zamboanga shoots for history, Pacio has a short message for his compatriot. 

 

“Just go out there and give it your all,” he said. “Whatever happens, have faith in God and in your training and there will be a new champion.”