Denice Zamboanga Finds New Motivation As Undisputed World Champion: ‘My Career Is Only Just Beginning’

Denice “The Menace” Zamboanga is now officially the undisputed ONE Women’s Atomweight MMA World Champion.

The announcement came after former titleholder Stamp Fairtex suffered a setback in her recovery from a serious knee injury, sidelining her for longer than expected. Prior to these recent complications, the Thai megastar was slated to battle Zamboanga this summer.

After eight thrilling appearances in the world’s largest martial arts organization, “The Menace” captured the Interim World Title in January at ONE Fight Night 27 with a dominant TKO victory over Alyona Rassohyna.

Now the undisputed atomweight MMA queen, Zamboanga told onefc.com that her new status has given her a source of motivation and transformed her approach to training:

“When they elevated me to undisputed ONE Atomweight MMA World Champion, it just motivated me more in training. Now when I’m in the gym, I cannot afford to slack off one bit. I’m now always thinking of ways to improve and level up my training and my skills.

“I feel like I have to train more. I have to do more since there’s now a target on my back. At the same time, I also stop myself because I don’t want to overtrain and get injured again like in the past. Finding the right balance and consistency has been big for me since becoming World Champion. And of course, adopting a champion’s mindset. Just training hard, but also training smart.”

As the first-ever Filipina to capture an MMA World Title, the 28-year-old is well aware of the new challenges and greater responsibility that come along with wearing 26 pounds of gold.

But beyond her athletic achievements and the long line of contenders hungry to take her belt, Zamboanga takes immense pride in her growing influence, particularly among her compatriots.

She’s thankful for the unending support of her fans during her long and winding journey to the pinnacle of the sport:

“Aside from being a World Champion, I’m most grateful that I was able to inspire and be a role model for people. Since winning the gold, I’ve had countless blessings in the form of sponsors and endorsements.

“The support I’ve received is truly overwhelming. You really feel the support of your fellow Filipinos. You know how passionate my countrymen are, and they motivate me more to give my best every time. Even when I was losing before, they stuck with me through the ups and downs of my career.”

Although she’s reached the top, Zamboanga says her fighting journey has many key chapters remaining.

And after feeling what it’s like to wear gold around her waist, she’s determined to achieve even greater success on the global stage.

“I feel like my career is only just beginning after becoming the World Champion.”

Looking Ahead To Potential Challengers

While Stamp Fairtex’s injury and delayed recovery led to the cancelation of their World Title unification fight, Denice Zamboanga remains optimistic that she’ll eventually lock horns with her former teammate – and that it will be worth the wait.

The matchup between these atomweight stars has been years in the making, and Zamboanga thinks that a bit more time will create additional buzz:

“I think the wait will build even more excitement and hype for this fight [with Stamp]. People have been wanting to see this match for a long time. The wait will be worth it, and maybe the people’s anticipation will only make it bigger. Hopefully, our fans will stay patient and continue supporting both of us.”

As Stamp continues the arduous process of recovery, Zamboanga has her eye on other potential challengers. At the top of her list is #2-ranked divisional contender and former ONE Women’s Strawweight MMA World Title challenger Ayaka “Zombie” Miura.

The Japanese submission ace has used her ferocious grappling to put together a four-fight winning streak and emerge as a serious World Title threat at atomweight.

Zamboanga added:

“So far, the most active and I feel most deserving is Ayaka Miura. We know what she’s gonna do every fight, yet she’s been able to finish most of her opponents. She’s a dangerous challenger, to be honest.”