Zamboanga to defend title vs Japanese foe

August 10 ------ FILIPINO MMA champion Denice “The Menace” Zamboanga will defend her ONE atomweight world title for the first time against Japanese Ayaka “Zombie” Miura on Nov. 16 in ONE 173 at the Ariake Arena, Tokyo, Japan.

Zamboanga, who has a 12-2-0 win-loss-draw record, embraced the challenge and said she would be put to the test against the World No. 2 ranked contender. “I believe God’s timing is always perfect, and I’m honored to defend this belt against Ayaka Miura in Japan. She’s one of the strongest grapplers in the atomweight division, and I’ve watched how relentless she is with her ground game,” said the 28-year-old Zamboanga, first Filipina in history to win a world MMA title. “There’s still a long road ahead in my preparation, but I’m committed to putting in the work and showing up stronger than ever. I’ll bring this title to Japan — and bring it back home to the Philippines with pride. All glory to God,” she added.

Zamboanga won her title after taking down No. 4 contender Alyona Rassohyna at ONE Fight Night last Jan. 10, 2025. The 5-foot-2 Filipino brawler was set for a unification bout against then-lineal titleholder Stamp Fairtex of Thailand. However, due to Fairtex’s knee injury, she was forced to vacate the belt, making Zamboanga the undisputed champion and the official queen of the atomweight division.

Her much-experienced 34-year-old Japanese foe carries a 16-5-0 and 1 NC card. Miura’s recent fight was against Colombia’s Juliana “La Patrona” Otalora after a first-round submission victory last July 18 to earn the title shot at ONE Women’s Atomweight. Miura found the perfect timing in the first round to annihilate the Colombian via a scarf hold armlock to finish the match in three minutes and 53 seconds. “I have unfinished business in the strawweight division, so I’ll prove the strength of Japanese fighters by winning this atomweight belt at home. To all the fans who’ve supported me — thank you. I’ll seize this,” Miura said.

Zamboanga currently holds a four-fight winning streak, while Miura has won her last five matches.

Source: manilatimes.net