For her first defense of the Undisputed ONE Atomweight MMA World Champion, Denice Zamboanga will take on Japanese challenger Ayaka Miura in Tokyo at ONE 173.
Fighting away from home is nothing new for Undisputed ONE Atomweight MMA World Champion Denice Zamboanga.
The first Filipina MMA World Champion will enter hostile territory when she puts 26 pounds of gold on the line for the first time at ONE 173 against top contender Ayaka “Zombie” Miura on November 16 at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.
While this epic five-round atomweight MMA battle will take place in the challenger’s backyard, Zamboanga remains undeterred about her chances of returning to the Philippines with her belt in tow.
The TREX MMA standout has remained unfettered even when the odds were stacked against her for most of her incredible MMA career.
Time and time again, Zamboanga has proven her doubters wrong, displaying unbreakable grit and unyielding determination to realize her lifelong dream of becoming a ONE World Champion.
While the 28-year-old expects Miura to fight inspired and feed off the energy of the passionate Japanese crowd, the champ won’t let some hometown pressure get in the way of the legacy she wants to leave behind.
Plus, Zamboanga knows her own loyal fanbase back at home in the Philippines will be cheering their lungs out and praying for her victory.
“I know that fighting in Japan, Ayaka’s home, might bring added pressure — but as a proud Filipina, I carry the strength, dedication, and heart of every Filipino with me,” she said.
“We may be stepping into her territory, but our spirit and determination are built for any battleground,” Zamboanga added.