Filipina MMA fighter Denice Zamboanga at ONE 167 at the Impact Arena, Bangkok, Thailand on June 8, 2024. Handout/ONE Championship

MANILA -- Lito Adiwang is confident that fellow Filipino fighter Denice Zamboanga will be successful in her quest to bring a gold belt back to the Philippines.

Zamboanga is targeting the ONE Interim Atomweight MMA World Title when she battles Alyona Rassohyna at ONE Fight Night 27 this January 11 inside Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.  

It's the final hurdle for "The Menace," who has endured several delays and cancellations on her way to the fight, with most of the circumstances beyond her control.

Adiwang is hopeful that Zamboanga's patience will be rewarded this weekend.

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"I wish her nothing but the best for this fight. She deserves this," Adiwang said. "I will say this is her fight to lose for sure."  

"Thunder Kid" believes that Zamboanga's great advantage against Rassohyna lies in her boxing, and he is confident that as long as the Filipina does not fall into any traps, the Ukrainian should not bother her on the feet.

"Striking-wise, I think for as long as [Zamboanga] has prepared for it, she'll have the advantage because of her boxing. She also has kicks in her arsenal. It might come in sparingly, but it's powerful," he said.  

"Her boxing is really sharp. She's got the sharper hands. She's also got power in those hands."  

But Zamboanga's advantages aren't necessarily limited to her striking.   

The SOMA Fight Club representative noted how Zamboanga has the skills to neutralize her opponent's ground game, allowing the Filipina to keep the fight standing and finish her with boxing.  

"When it comes to the ground game, I think she can stop Alyona's takedowns. She's got the skills and the strength to do so. She's also bigger, and I feel like her size advantage will be crucial in this fight," Adiwang said.  

That's why Adiwang believes Zamboanga will leave Lumpinee as the ONE Interim Atomweight MMA World Champion.  

"She's got all the advantages in this fight for sure," he said, "and this is her fight for the taking."