Denice Zamboanga captured the ONE Interim Atomweight MMA World Championship to start 2025 by defeating Alyona Rassohyna at ONE Fight Night 27. With Stamp Fairtex suffering a setback in her return from injury, the Filipina has had the interim tag dropped. “The Menace” is now the undisputed ONE Atomweight MMA World Champion.
Denice Zamboanga’s Time as Undisputed Champ Only Starting
As the queen of the division, Denice Zamboanga is now realizing that her work has just begun in ONE Championship. She stands atop the division with every contender working their way for a shot at the crown. It has only served as more motivation to get better each day in the gym.
“I feel like I have to train more. I have to do more since there’s now a target on my back. At the same time, I also stop myself because I don’t want to overtrain and get injured again like in the past. Finding the right balance and consistency has been big for me since becoming World Champion. And of course, adopting a champion’s mindset. Just training hard, but also training smart,” Zamboanga said to ONE.
Due to Stamp suffering a setback while rehabbing her surgically repaired knee, she has relinquished her World Title, and Denice Zamboanga has been elevated to undisputed ONE Women’s Atomweight MMA World Champion! 🏆 Who should “The Menace” defend her throne against first?… pic.twitter.com/kFykxfoMYR
— ONE Championship (@ONEChampionship) May 12, 2025
Importance of Status as Champ Not Lost on Denice Zamboanga
Denice Zamboanga knows the significance of her becoming the first-ever Filipina MMA World Champion. She holds tremendous influence in her home country, helping to inspire the next generation of martial artists. The 28-year-old is proud to represent her country and be a role model for all.
“Aside from being a World Champion, I’m most grateful that I was able to inspire and be a role model for people,” Zamboanga began. “Since winning the gold, I’ve had countless blessings in the form of sponsors and endorsements. The support I’ve received is truly overwhelming. You really feel the support of your fellow Filipinos. You know how passionate my countrymen are, and they motivate me more to give my best every time. Even when I was losing before, they stuck with me through the ups and downs of my career.”
After winning the gold, “The Menace” stated that she feels her career has only just begun. While it was the culmination of one goal, it is the beginning of something new. While the match against Stamp still lingers, Denice Zamboanga feels that when it comes, it will be bigger than ever before.
“I think the wait will build even more excitement and hype for this fight [with Stamp]. People have been wanting to see this match for a long time. The wait will be worth it, and maybe the people’s anticipation will only make it bigger. Hopefully, our fans will stay patient and continue supporting both of us.”
Denice Zamboanga Wants Ayaka Miura as Opponent for Initial Defense of Belt
When it comes to defending the gold, Zamboanga will have plenty of women vying for the spot. However, one athlete has caught her eye most of all. In a race to become her first challenger, Zamboanga believes Japan’s Ayaka Miura has done the most to earn the spot.
“So far, the most active and I feel most deserving is Ayaka Miura. We know what she’s gonna do every fight, yet she’s been able to finish most of her opponents. She’s a dangerous challenger, to be honest.”
