Filipino MMA star Drex Zamboanga ready for BRAVE CF debut after injury layoff

Filipino Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) standout Drex “T-Rex” Zamboanga is finally set to make his long-awaited debut for BRAVE Combat Federation, more than a year after signing a multi-bout contract with the Bahrain-based promotion. His arrival has been anticipated by fans and analysts alike, as Zamboanga is considered one of the most accomplished MMA fighters to emerge from the Philippines in recent years.

Zamboanga initially inked his deal in 2025 and was scheduled to compete in May of that year against Ramazan Gitinow in a lightweight bout. However, just a week out from the matchup, the 32-year-old was forced to withdraw after suffering a lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injury that required immediate medical attention.

The setback not only postponed his BRAVE CF debut but also pushed the Filipino fighter into a lengthy recovery process. Zamboanga underwent months of intensive physical therapy and rehabilitation, focusing on strengthening the affected knee and rebuilding stability. The journey back was demanding, but the veteran competitor stayed disciplined and patient throughout the process.

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

Now medically cleared and back to full-contact training, Zamboanga says he is more motivated than ever to step into the BRAVE CF cage and resume his career at the highest level.

🚨BRAVE CF signs Filipino fighter, Drex “The T-Rex” Zamboanga 🇵🇭 (14-6) to their roster.

He is the older brother of ONE Interim Atomweight MMA Champion, Denice Zamboanga.

He recently competed for ONE Championship going (3-1) with the promotion.

According to Tapology, he was… pic.twitter.com/a3tcUrZeLW

— COMBAT SPORTS TODAY (@CSTodayNews) February 27, 2025

“I have been away long enough, and I am hungry to compete again. I signed with BRAVE CF to fight, and I want to maximize this contract. My body feels great now. The rehab was tough, but it worked. I am healthy, I am training at full intensity again, and I am starting to feel my groove come back every day,” Zamboanga said in a media interaction.

Before joining BRAVE CF, Zamboanga built a formidable résumé in the Philippines’ premier MMA organization, the Universal Reality Combat Championship (URCC). Known for his explosive striking and relentless pressure, he captured the vacant bantamweight championship in 2017 by finishing countryman Rex De Lara via technical knockout. He cemented his status as one of URCC’s elite fighters two years later, successfully defending the title with a doctor’s stoppage victory against South Korea’s Seung Hyun Cho.

With a professional record of 14 wins and 6 losses, including 11 finishes, Zamboanga has earned a reputation as a dynamic and dangerous competitor capable of ending fights in multiple ways. His new chapter in BRAVE CF represents not only an opportunity to compete internationally but also a chance to re-establish his presence in the global MMA scene.

“This feels like a fresh start for me. I want to stay active, perform well, and rebuild momentum in 2026. BRAVE CF gives me the chance to reset, to prove myself again, and to rekindle my career in 2026. I believe my best performances are still ahead of me,” he added.

With renewed health, a rejuvenated mindset, and an organization eager to showcase his talents, Zamboanga’s long-delayed debut is shaping up to be one of the most compelling storylines for Philippine MMA in 2026. As he prepares to finally enter the BRAVE CF cage, expectations are high that the fighter known as “T-Rex” will once again roar back into contention and remind the world why he has long been considered one of the Philippines’ top MMA athletes.

👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and join the community of passionate sports fans.