Drex “T-Rex” Zamboanga believes the pause in his career has only sharpened his edge. After an extended period away from competition, the Filipino veteran is ready to step back into the cage under the BRAVE Combat Federation banner with renewed urgency.

Now 32, Zamboanga has signed a multi-bout deal determined to stay active and make every appearance count. He views BRAVE CF’s global reach as the right environment to relaunch his career and prove he still belongs among high-level competition.

His first appearance for the promotion was supposed to come earlier this year at BRAVE CF 95. Zamboanga was booked against undefeated Bahraini standout and No. 2-ranked lightweight contender Ramazan Gitinov in a matchup that carried immediate divisional significance.

That opportunity vanished just before fight week when a lateral collateral ligament injury forced him out. The cancellation delayed his plans but reinforced the importance of returning at full strength rather than rushing back.

Rehab resets the trajectory

Instead of chasing a quick return, Zamboanga committed to a full rehabilitation process. Months of physical therapy and focused strength work replaced fight camps, testing his patience and discipline.

Now cleared to train at full intensity, he says his body has responded exactly as hoped. Timing, conditioning, and confidence are returning, and the hunger to compete has only grown stronger.

The setback, he believes, became a reset rather than a derailment.

A résumé built for resurgence

Zamboanga enters BRAVE CF with a 14-6 professional record, including eight finishes. He first established his reputation on the Philippine MMA scene as the URCC bantamweight champion, capturing the vacant title in September 2017 with a TKO win over Rex De Lara.

He successfully defended the belt in April 2019 via doctor’s stoppage against South Korea’s Seung Hyun Cho before expanding internationally. A 3-1 run followed, highlighted by wins over Detchadin Sorsirisuphathin, Rahul Raju, and Team Lakay’s Adonis Sevilleno.

With his health restored and motivation fully reignited, Zamboanga sees BRAVE CF as the ideal proving ground. As 2026 unfolds, he believes this chapter is not about returning quietly, but about reasserting relevance on a truly global stage.