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Denice Zamboanga dominates Mei Yamaguchi, earns shot at Angela Lee's One title belt

Denice Zamboanga connects on a left jab to Mei Yamaguchi. One Championship
By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—Prior to her match against Mei Yamaguchi, Denice Zamboanga said that she wants a shot at Angela Lee's One Championship MMA women's atomweight title.

After a dominating performance on Friday night, Zamboanga just got it.

The Filipina MMA sensation put up an impressive performance against Yamaguchi to win in their bout at One: King of the Jungle at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

Zamboanga used her reach advantage precisely over Yamaguchi, putting her at bay with her jabs. Eventually, Yamaguchi's right eye area swelled up a bit after Round 1.

Yamaguchi brought the game to the ground in Round 2, but Zamboanga showed that she can withstand the grappling of Yamaguchi, eventually turning the tides anew late in the round. Zamboanga took control of Round 3, giving her the unanimous decision win.

Right after the match, Mitch Chilson, one of the commentators for the said card, announced to Zamboanga that she will fight Lee for the One women's atomweight title soon.

Meanwhile, Honorio Banario made a triumphant return to the featherweight division by beating Shannon Wiratchai.

While Wiratchai's kicks were solid, Banario never backed down, even turning the fight to his favor with his improved ground game that even saw him initiating the takedowns.

Banario, the inaugural One featherweight champion, got the nod of two judges to take the split decision win.

Tony Worthen dealt the Philippines its only loss in the fight card, beating Mark Abelardo. Worthen's well rounded game was too much for Abelardo as the American took the unanimous decision victory.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno