It looks like 2025 would be another good year for Philippine sports.
Eleven days into the year, Denice “The Menace” Zamboanga became the first Filipino world champion after stopping fourth-ranked Alyona Rassohyna of Ukraine in the second round and take the ONE Interim Women’s Atomweight MMA World Championship on Saturday at the famed Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Fighting in the co-main event of ONE Fight Night 27, Zamboanga did not disappoint as she finally put behind years of heartbreaks and disappointment with a masterful performance to win at the 4:47 mark of round two.
It was indeed a performance to remember as she will bring home the $50,000 (roughly P2.85 million) bonus.
“I’ve been here for years. I’ve made it through hard work, tears, and everything. I’m really speechless.” Zamboanga told Mitch Chilson after the match.
“The delays and injuries, I’ve been through a lot of injuries. Just last week I couldn’t even move my left arm but I didn’t want to cancel this fight because I know God will give me this fight.”
And she got it.
Zamboanga, 28, dominated the striking game by keeping the Ukrainian at bay with her busy hands – with the Filipina being quicker to the punch each time they traded blows on the feet.
But it was Zamboanga’s groundwork that truly captivated fans, and eventually made the difference.
The T-Rex MMA standout defended the submission specialist’s takedowns easily while finding her way to a dominant position in several instances they hit the ground.
And it was in the same position where Zamboanga finally got the stoppage.
After escaping a desperate leg lock attempt from Rassohyna, Zamboanga found herself on top once more and rained down punches and elbows from side control to get the stoppage win.
Immediately after the match, Zamboanga’s good friend and now biggest rival in ONE Women’s Atomweight MMA World Champion Stamp Fairtex congratulated her for the win, and shared how she’s getting close to returning.
“Congratulations Philippines! I’m so excited to fight her in the ring. I’m ready to fight her,” Stamp shared.
It was a splendid weekend for Filipina combat sports as the night before Zamboanga’s golden conquest, it was Filipina Muay Thai star Islay Erika Bomogao who took the spotlight.
Bomogao took her second win in as many fights when she dominated Ran Longshu and took a comfortable unanimous decision win at ONE Friday Fights 93.
The 24-year-old put on a Muay Thai clinic as her attack varied from punches, elbows, knees and kicks – with that teep being used to perfection to combat the ultra-aggressive Chinese standout.
