Denice Zamboanga’s story shows success starts with small steps

ONE interim atomweight MMA world champion Denice Zamboanga emphasizes that starting your fitness journey through martial arts can begin with just one small step, even from the comfort of your own home.

During an interview with the Atleta Filipina podcast, Zamboanga highlighted that achieving fitness doesn't happen overnight.

Instead, it’s a gradual process where consistent, incremental progress can lead to significant results over time.

Her own career is a testament to this approach. Denice progressively worked her way up, transitioning from competing in regional martial arts events throughout Southeast Asia to joining the ONE Championship roster in 2019.

Since signing with ONE Championship, Denice, who trains at the T-Rex Mixed Martial Arts Training Center, has achieved several milestones.

Her biggest achievement came in January when she captured the interim atomweight championship belt.

Now, Zamboanga is setting her sights on becoming the undisputed queen of the atomweight division. She’s scheduled to face reigning world champion Stamp Fairtex in a title unification bout at ONE 173: Denver on August 1.

Defying Expectations and Rising to the Top

Despite her accomplishments, Zamboanga’s path to the top wasn’t something even those closest to her would have predicted.

Denice, who described herself as introverted during her younger years, revealed that her friends and classmates never imagined her pursuing a career in martial arts, much less becoming a world champion.

Speaking to Atleta Filipina, she reflected on her quieter days, noting how she often kept to herself and showed little outward interest in combat sports.

However, Denice’s steady and determined growth as a martial artist proved otherwise.

Her development also took her to Thailand, where she refined her skills at Fairtex Training Center, training alongside world-class fighters and under the tutelage of renowned coaches.

Denice Zamboanga’s story is a powerful reminder that fitness and success in martial arts, much like in life, start with one small, consistent step.

Source: sportskeeda

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