ONE champion Denice Zamboanga withdraws from title defense due to medical issue

Denice Zamboanga made history in January 2025 when she became the first Filipina to win a Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) world title by defeating Alyona Rassohyna for the ONE Interim Women’s Atomweight MMA World Championship at ONE Fight Night 27.

Zamboanga was set to defend her belt for the first time against top contender Ayaka “Zombie” Miura at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri on November 16 at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo.

However, the Filipina superstar has been forced to withdraw from the highly anticipated fight due to medical reasons. Zamboanga announced her withdrawal on social media on Thursday, August 28, apologizing to fans and supporters, though she did not disclose the exact nature of the issue. She also apologized to Miura while vowing to return stronger.

“With a heavy heart, I need to share some difficult news. I was truly excited to defend my belt at ONE 173 against Ayaka. I know how strong and talented she is, and I was looking forward to testing myself against such a worthy challenger. This was a fight I have been preparing for and one I deeply wanted to give to the fans,” Zamboanga wrote.

“Writing this makes my heart break. It is hard and it only gets harder each day. Unfortunately, due to medical reasons, I am unable to step into the circle this time. It is heartbreaking for me to pull out of this match, and I want to sincerely apologize to my opponent Ayaka, to ONE Championship, to my sponsors, and to all the fans and supporters who were anticipating this bout.

🚨 Denice Zamboanga out of ONE 173 title defence in Tokyo vs Ayaka Miura due to “medical reasons” #ONEChampionship pic.twitter.com/MBFjKUZ9Ld

— Nick Atkin (@nickatkinone) August 28, 2025

“This sport means everything to me, and I promise I am fully committed to coming back stronger. My passion for fighting has not changed, and I will continue to work hard so that I can once again represent ONE at the highest level when I return. I am forever grateful to ONE Championship for always believing in me, and to all of you who stand by me through the highs and the lows. This is not the end. I will return stronger and hungrier than ever,” she added.

The Quezon City native has consistently expressed her desire to bring ONE Championship back to the Philippines, hoping fans can one day witness her fight live at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The 28-year-old last competed in December 2022 at ONE Fight Night 5, the promotion’s most recent event in the Philippines, where she defeated Lin Heqin. More than two years later, Zamboanga has reiterated her eagerness to face Stamp Fairtex in a unification bout on home soil.

Zamboanga began training in karate at her brother’s urging to learn self-defense, but she quickly developed a passion for the sport while balancing her university studies and work. After starting her career with a 5–0 record in regional Philippine promotions, she earned the opportunity to represent her country in ONE Championship.

She holds a 7–2 professional record, including one TKO victory, and is unbeaten in her last four ONE Championship bouts.

ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong has also confirmed the promotion’s eagerness to return to the United States, a high-priority market. It remains to be seen whether Zamboanga will make her comeback on U.S. soil in a potential title defense.

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