Excelling in mixed martial arts herself, Denice Zamboanga shares how she can relate to the success of the Creamline Cool Smashers as she watched the grand slam champions live at the PhilSports Arena.
Newly crowned ONE interim women's atomweight champion Denice Zamboanga took a break from the cage to watch her first-ever live PVL match on Thursday, February 6 at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
Fresh off her historic championship win against Alyona Rassohyna at One Fight Night 27, Zamboanga attended the game between the Creamline Cool Smashers and the Chery Tiggo Crossovers at the PhilSports Arena.
Turns out, the MMA champ has been a longtime fan of the grand slam volleyball champions.
While watching the game unfold, the 28-year-old Pinay fighter was thrilled to finally see her volleyball idols in action. She even got a photo op with the Cool Smashers after their win.
"Sobrang masaya ako kasi actually, first time ko manood ng live sa PVL. Sobrang na-starstruck ako sa players," said Zamboanga.
The MMA star shared that she has been following the Cool Smashers since their early years in the league, especially Alyssa Valdez, Jema Galanza, and Michele Gumabao.
Despite her combat sports background, Zamboanga revealed that she played volleyball in high school and even participated in local leagues.
"Na-try ko mag-volleyball before nung high school ako. And sumasali lang ako sa mga liga-liga. Noong nagwo-work ako before, sumasali rin ako kapag may mga team building," she shared.
While Zamboanga has made history in combat sports, she expressed deep admiration for the challenges faced by volleyball athletes.
"Yes, kasi sobrang ibang-iba siya sa sports ko. Ang hirap ng ginagawa nila. Parang ako pa lang mismo, nanonood pa lang ako pero kinakabahan na ako," she admitted.
Having cemented her place in Philippine sports history, Zamboanga also related to Creamline’s legacy of dominance and success.
"Sobrang iba sa feeling kapag nakagawa ka ng history [para] sa bansa mo. Sobrang honor ‘yun. Parang buong bansa 'yung dinala mo sa sports ko na 'to. Sobrang blessed ako, and grateful ako na nakuha natin 'yung ganung history."
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All eyes will be on Zamboanga as she carries the ONE Interim women's atomweight belt. But even then, she remains hungry for even greater success in MMA.
"Sa akin is makakakuha pa tayo ng maraming belt. And sana ma-inspire ko hindi lang babae—kahit mga lalaki. Hindi lang sa sports ko, hindi lang sa MMA. Gusto kong ma-inspire 'yung mga Filipino athletes na talagang mag-pursue sila sa dream nila,” said Zamboanga.