This Friday, June 7, at ONE 167: Tawanchai vs. Nattawut II on Prime Video, #2-ranked atomweight MMA contender Denice “The Menace” Zamboanga will square off with late-notice replacement Noelle “Lil’ Monkey” Grandjean.

The Filipina sensation was originally slated to battle Stamp Fairtex for her atomweight MMA gold in the main event, but when the Thai megastar suffered a torn meniscus and was forced to withdraw, Grandjean stepped up on just two weeks’ notice.

“The Menace” and “Lil’ Monkey” will show down live in U.S. primetime at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.

Denice Zamboanga reveals the problems of  getting her opponent changed

Zamboanga admits that the change of opponents has thrown a wrench in her training camp, but hasn’t let it shake her confidence, “The shift in preparation has been significant. Training for Stamp meant focusing heavily on striking and Muay Thai techniques. With Noelle, I’ve had to adjust my game plan to focus more on grappling and takedown defense. It’s a different challenge, but I’m confident in my training and my ability to adapt.”

While she’s undoubtedly disappointed that her shot at atomweight MMA gold has fallen through, Zamboanga is nonetheless embracing the chance to yet again showcase her immense talent on the global stage.

She added, “It’s definitely challenging to face a different opponent so close to the fight, but I’m focused and ready. My mentality is to adapt and overcome. Every fight is an opportunity to show my skills and resilience, regardless of who is standing across from me.”

Notably, Zamboanga has previously trained with “Lil’ Monkey.” The two crossed paths years ago at the renowned Fairtex Training Center – just as Zamboanga had previously trained with Stamp.

“The Menace” expresses her respect for Noelle Grandjean

“The Menace” says that her time in the training room with Grandjean gave her plenty of respect for her foe at ONE 167.

“Training with Noelle at Fairtex was a great experience. We were more like professional training partners back then. We talked, but we weren’t as close as I am with Stamp.

“Despite that, I have a lot of respect for her. She’s a really good fighter, and one thing I admired was that she doesn’t need to lose a lot of weight in every camp. Our intense sparring sessions and mutual encouragement are good memories that motivate me now.”