Denice Zamboanga Crowned Interim Atomweight Champion: Post-Fight Interview and Career Insights

Results Recap

On January 11, 2025, at ONE Fight Night 27 in Bangkok, Denice “The Menace” Zamboanga captured the ONE Interim Women's Atomweight MMA World Championship by defeating Alyona Rassohyna via technical knockout in the second round. This marked a major milestone in her career, improving her record in ONE Championship to 7-1. Zamboanga's dominant performance earned her a $50,000 performance bonus and solidified her position as one of the top atomweight fighters in the world.

Post-Fight Interview Highlights

Q: How does it feel to be holding that belt?

Denice Zamboanga: "I'm very speechless. Until now, I couldn't get over that I took the belt, that I'm the champion. That is sinking in my head right now."

Q: Was that the best moment of your career so far?

Denice Zamboanga: "I guess yes, because I had never finished my opponent by TKO while ranked and active, like the ranked fighters in our division."

Q: Now that you've won four in a row, is this the best you've ever been as a fighter?

Denice Zamboanga: "I guess yes, this is one of the best performances of my career."

Q: What part of your game do you think improved the most since your last fight in June?

Denice Zamboanga: "Now, for this fight, I'm more comfortable with my striking and also with my top game and also my grappling skills."

Q: Is Stamp Fairtex definitely the next fight that you want? Or is there anyone else?

Denice Zamboanga: "Definitely Stamp. I'll wait for her."

Q: If Stamp isn't ready soon, do you still want to fight someone else before that?

Denice Zamboanga: "It's up to ONE Championship because I don't think I have injuries after this, but yeah, it's up to ONE Championship."

Q: There are going to be a couple of U.S. events coming up. Would you like to fight on one of the U.S. cards this year?

Denice Zamboanga: "Of course, I'll be grateful to fight in the U.S. because I haven't been there. That will be amazing."

Q: What's the plan for the $50,000 bonus?

Denice Zamboanga: "I think I'm gonna get my car because I have wanted to get one since last year. But now I got the bonus, I can get my own car. I have my motorcycle already."

Looking Ahead

With four consecutive wins and a championship belt now around her waist, Denice Zamboanga’s next target is clear: a unification bout with the undisputed champion, Stamp Fairtex. Fans eagerly anticipate this clash between two elite fighters, though Zamboanga is open to other opportunities should Fairtex need more time to recover.

For now, Zamboanga celebrates her well-deserved victory and plans to treat herself with her bonus, continuing to inspire her fans and represent the Philippines on the global MMA stage.