MMA: Denice Zamboanga vacates ONE world title after welcoming 1st child

Filipina mixed martial arts star Denice “The Menace” Zamboanga has relinquished the ONE Women's Atomweight MMA world championship after welcoming her first child with husband and fellow MMA fighter Fritz Biagtan.

Zamboanga announced her decision in a social media post on Tuesday, saying she chose to vacate the title to allow the division to move forward while she embraces motherhood.

“God has always had a beautiful plan for my life, and I trust His timing in everything. After much prayer and reflection, I have made the difficult decision to vacate my ONE Women’s Atomweight MMA World Championship,” Zamboanga wrote.

“This was not an easy choice, but I believe it is the right one for this season of my life and for the athletes in my division who continue to chase their dreams.”

The 29-year-old Quezon City native made history in January 2025 when she defeated Alyona Rassohyna via second-round technical knockout to capture the interim atomweight title, becoming the first Filipina to win a ONE Championship MMA world title. Her status was later elevated to undisputed champ after Stamp Fairtex relinquished the belt due to a prolonged knee injury.

Zamboanga was scheduled to make her first title defense against Ayaka Miura at ONE 173 last November, but withdrew from the bout because of what has since been revealed to be her pregnancy.

The Filipina made it clear, however, that her decision is not the end of her fighting career.

"While I am stepping away from the title, I am not stepping away from the sport I love. Fighting has shaped who I am, and the warrior in me will always remain,” Zamboanga said.

"Right now, my heart and focus are devoted to the greatest blessing God has entrusted to me. This season is teaching me that there are victories beyond championship belts, and I am embracing every moment of it with gratitude. This is not the end of my story. It’s simply a new chapter."

—JMB, GMA News