KEY POINTS

  • Both Denice Zamboanga and Seo Hee Ham did not appear at ONE X's ceremonial weigh-ins
  • It was later reported that Ham failed both the hydration test and in making weight
  • She will have two chances to pass both requirements

The grudge match between Denice Zamboanga and Seo Hee Ham at ONE X is in jeopardy of falling through after the latter missed weight and the hydration test.

During ONE X's ceremonial weigh-ins, International Business Times sports editor and combat sports analyst Nissi Icasiano tweeted out the events as they happened.

He first revealed that there were initial reports of the fight potentially being canceled due to Ham's failure of the hydration test.

Worry that the fight would not materialize at all grew after Icasiano noted that Ham and Zamboanga were absent during the weigh-ins.

Icasiano then confirmed through a reliable source that the South Korean sensation did indeed fail both the hydration test and making weight, and will have two opportunities (12MN SGT of March 26 and 12NN SGT of the same day) to get her clearance ahead of the fight.

Fans had been looking forward to the rematch as their first meeting ended up in controversy after Ham was awarded the split decision victory over Zamboanga, despite the latter seemingly winning the fight in the opening round of the ONE Women’s Atomweight World Grand Prix.

The “walk-around weight” system that ONE Championship made famous came after the tragic passing of Chinese flyweight Yang Jian Bing back in 2015 due to complications with weight cutting.

This ensures that their athletes continue to remain hydrated and healthy despite not having a matchup scheduled.

Ham herself has lauded this decision by the company to have this system in place during her interview with Icasiano last week, even hoping that other mixed martial arts (MMA) organizations give it a shot.

“If other promotions and other athletes start practicing this (hydration system) … and everybody starts doing it, I believe this sport of MMA will be cleaner and fairer.”

As the MMA community awaits how this situation will play out, the massive three-part card of ONE X will kick off at 1 PM SGT (1 AM ET), the second happening at 5 PM SGT (5 AM ET), and the "Grand Finale" at 8 PM SGT (8 AM ET).

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