Denice Zamboanga is no stranger to adversity—and this November, the reigning ONE Atomweight MMA World Champion will once again be fighting on foreign soil. The Filipina star is set to defend her title for the first time against Japan’s Ayaka “Zombie” Miura at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri, taking place on November 16 at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo.

While Miura will have the home crowd behind her, Zamboanga remains unfazed. The 28-year-old has built her career on resilience and perseverance, consistently overcoming challenges that doubters said she couldn’t.

Zamboanga earned her crown through sheer will and grit, becoming the first Filipina MMA World Champion under the ONE Championship banner. Despite the pressure of defending her belt in hostile territory, she remains confident that she’ll return to the Philippines with her 26-pound gold strap still in hand.

Zamboanga unfazed by Tokyo crowd as she carries Filipino pride

Zamboanga knows what awaits her in Japan—a fired-up Miura and a crowd cheering against her. But the TREX MMA standout embraces the challenge. In fact, she believes it’s her calling to represent the Philippines on the biggest stage, no matter the setting.

“I know that fighting in Japan, Ayaka’s home, might bring added pressure,” she said. “But as a proud Filipina, I carry the strength, dedication, and heart of every Filipino with me. We may be stepping into her territory, but our spirit and determination are built for any battleground.”

The matchup promises to be a five-round war between two contrasting styles: Miura’s gritty grappling and the unshakable mental toughness of “The Menace.” With fans in the Philippines backing her from afar, Zamboanga looks to prove once again why she’s one of the most formidable champions in ONE Championship.