Zamboanga ready to defend ONE title against Japanese challenger

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Filipina Mixed Martial Artist (MMA) Denice Zamboanga is all set for her first-ever Atomweight title defense in the upcoming ONE Fighting Championship 173 on November 16, 2025, at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.

Zamboanga accepted the challenge of Japanese fighter Ayaka “Zombie” Miura, a well-known submission artist who won her last three fights via a scarf hold arm lock and a knee bar.

In her 11-year career at ONE FC, the pride of Japan tallied 16 total wins, with 11 of those coming all via submissions, and five losses.

Miura is currently the No. 2 ranked contender in the atomweight division, and snatching the Filipina’s belt is her ultimate goal to finally reach the pedestal of the biggest MMA promotion in Asia.

The ground specialist is still undefeated since December 2022 and last suffered a loss on April 22, 2022, against Dayane Cardoso during ONE 156.

However, Miura’s task will be difficult as Zamboanga is fresh off a title-clinching win on January 10, 2025, against Alyona Rassohyna.

The 28-year-old veteran was expected to dominate the stand-up fight, but what stood out during her title-clinching win was her improved ground arsenal.

Rassohyna, who is known for her lethal take-down fighting style, failed to clamp Zamboanga in most of her attempts as the Filipina stalwart devised strategies in sprawling away from trouble.

Aside from her clever sprawls, Zamboanga flaunted her counter moves in unlocking the Ukrainian’s leg lock attempts, pinning her waist with her thighs while rolling at the side to get back to her feet.

In the final 24 seconds of the round, Zamboanga replicated her full mount on top position on the ground and finished the Ukrainian aspirant with a barrage of hammer fists and ground-and-pound strikes.

Official match referee Herb Dean then saw enough and waived the fight off in favor of Zamboanga, making her the first-ever Filipina MMA champion in the ONE FC scene.

Can Zamboanga maintain her dominance? Or will Miura continue her winning streak and snatch the Filipina’s atomweight belt?