Denice Zamboanga made history in January 2025, made history in the Filipino sports when she became the first Filipina to win a Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) World Title. Her hard-fought victory over Alyona Rassohyna at ONE Fight Night 27 secured her the ONE Interim Women’s Atomweight MMA World Championship. Now, the trailblazing athlete has her sights set on an even bigger milestone competing for the undisputed title in front of her fellow Filipinos.
After claiming championship gold, Zamboanga has been vocal about her desire to bring ONE Championship back to the Philippines. The 28-year-old fighter dreams of headlining an event at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, allowing Filipino fans to witness her in action live and in person.
Denice Zamboanga addressed several questions during her post-fight interview after clinching the ONE Interim Women’s Atomweight MMA World Championship at ONE Fight Night 27. pic.twitter.com/dq8Nhoar6s
— NISSI ICASIANO (@Nissi_Icasiano) January 12, 2025
Zamboanga is no stranger to competing in front of a home crowd. In December 2022, she fought at ONE Fight Night 5, the last live ONE Championship event held in the Philippines, where she secured a victory over Lin Heqin. More than two years later, she is eager to return to the grand stage and face Stamp Fairtex in a long-awaited unification bout.
“That would be perfect. It will make the local fans happy, and I think Stamp and I have the capabilities to fill the arena with the interest along in our fight,” Zamboanga shared in a media interaction. “It’s a different feeling to compete in our own country. I have experienced that, and it’s truly one of a kind. It’s truly amazing.”
The anticipated matchup between Zamboanga and Fairtex has been building for quite some time. Originally scheduled to take place early last year, the bout was unfortunately postponed due to an injury sustained by Stamp Fairtex. However, the Filipina champion knows that the clash is inevitable and is determined to put on a memorable performance.
“I’m excited to face her, finally. I know this is what the fans want, I know this is something that they have been waiting for,” Zamboanga said. “This is a fight that should have happened a long time ago, and it’s something that people have been anticipating for a long time. It will be a great fight. I promise to be even better, and I will showcase new skills for this fight.”
Stamp Fairtex, the reigning ONE Women’s Atomweight World Champion, is considered one of the most dangerous strikers in the sport. The Thai superstar has displayed impressive dominance in the atomweight division, making this unification bout a thrilling contest. With both fighters at the peak of their careers, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
For Zamboanga, this fight is more than just about unifying the titles, it is about solidifying her legacy as the greatest Filipina MMA fighter of all time. With the backing of her home crowd, she believes she can put on the best performance of her career.
Zamboanga’s journey to MMA greatness began with karate. Encouraged by her brother to learn self-defense, she quickly developed a passion for martial arts. Balancing her studies and work at university, she dedicated herself to training and soon found success in the sport.
She built an undefeated 5-0 record, securing four finishes in regional Philippine promotions, which earned her a spot in ONE Championship. Since then, she has continued to showcase her skills on the international stage, proving that she belongs among the best.
Currently holding a professional record of 7-2 with one TKO, Zamboanga is undefeated in her last four fights in ONE Championship. Her well-rounded fighting style and relentless determination have made her a formidable force in the atomweight division.
If ONE Championship returns to the Philippines with Zamboanga vs. Fairtex as the main event, it could mark one of the biggest MMA events in the country’s history. Filipino fight fans have always been passionate supporters of combat sports, and a title unification bout featuring a homegrown star would generate immense excitement.
A stacked fight card featuring some of the best local and international fighters could create an unforgettable night of action at the Mall of Asia Arena. Zamboanga’s journey from a young martial artist to a world champion has already inspired many, and a victorious unification bout on home soil would further elevate her status as a national icon.
As anticipation builds for Zamboanga’s next fight, fans and bettors alike are eager to see how the unification bout will unfold. For those looking to add more excitement to the experience, OKBet offers the best sports betting options in the Philippines. Whether you’re backing Zamboanga to become the undisputed champion or analyzing betting odds for other major fights, OKBet provides a trusted and secure platform to place your bets.
With comprehensive sports coverage and competitive odds, OKBet is the go-to destination for Filipino sports bettors. Stay updated on all the latest MMA news and fight announcements by visiting OKBet and prepare for another thrilling chapter in Philippine combat sports history!
