Denice “The Menace” Zamboanga has etched her name in history as the first Filipina MMA World Champion after defeating Ukraine’s Alyona Rassohyna to claim the ONE Interim Women’s Atomweight MMA World Championship. The victory came via stoppage in the second round of the co-main event at ONE Fight Night 27, held on Saturday at the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

With this monumental win, Zamboanga not only ended years of heartbreak but also earned a $50,000 performance bonus for what is undoubtedly the best showing of her career.

A Performance for the Ages

The 28-year-old Filipina fighter, representing T-Rex MMA, showcased her striking prowess by outclassing Rassohyna in the stand-up exchanges, consistently beating her opponent to the punch. However, it was Zamboanga’s dominant groundwork that sealed the victory.

After escaping a leg lock attempt from the submission-savvy Ukrainian, Zamboanga took control from side position and unleashed a relentless barrage of punches and elbows, forcing the referee to step in at the 4:47 mark of round two.

Reflecting on her triumph, Zamboanga shared the challenges she faced leading up to the fight:

“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.”

A New Rivalry Brewing

Adding intrigue to her victory, reigning ONE Women’s Atomweight MMA World Champion Stamp Fairtex, a close friend of Zamboanga, congratulated her and hinted at a potential showdown:

“Congratulations Philippines! I’m so excited to fight her in the ring. I’m ready to fight her.”

Fans can now anticipate a high-stakes clash between two of the most dominant fighters in the division.

Islay Erika Bomogao Shines in Muay Thai Action

The weekend of Filipina dominance extended beyond Zamboanga’s triumph. On Friday, Islay Erika Bomogao dazzled in her second professional Muay Thai bout at ONE Friday Fights 93.

Facing China’s Ran Longshu, Bomogao put on a Muay Thai masterclass, employing a mix of punches, elbows, knees, and precision teeps to neutralize her aggressive opponent. Her seamless in-and-out movement left Ran struggling to find her rhythm, as Bomogao dictated the pace throughout the fight.

After three rounds, all three judges awarded Bomogao a unanimous decision victory, keeping her unbeaten record intact in the ONE Friday Fights circuit.

Filipina Fighters on the Rise

This historic weekend for Filipina combat sports marks a turning point, with Denice Zamboanga and Islay Erika Bomogao proving their mettle on the international stage. Their triumphs not only highlight their individual brilliance but also underscore the growing presence of Filipina athletes in the global combat sports scene.

As Zamboanga looks toward a potential unification bout with Stamp Fairtex and Bomogao continues her ascent in Muay Thai, the future is brighter than ever for Filipina fighters.