Denice Zamboanga spent years chasing the ONE Women's Atomweight MMA World Championship. She earned it the hard way, through injuries, postponements, and two losses to Ham Seo Hee that forced her to rebuild completely. On Monday, she gave it back — not because she lost it, but because something arrived that mattered more.
The Filipino fighter announced via social media that she is relinquishing the title after welcoming a baby with her husband Fritz "Kid Tornado" Biagtan. In a written statement, she framed the decision as one made through prayer and reflection, describing it as right for this season of her life and for the women in her division still in pursuit of their own goals.
"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 World Championship," she 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 relinquishment closes a reign built on one of the more determined runs the atomweight division has seen. Zamboanga joined ONE Championship and won her promotional debut. She beat Mei Yamaguchi by decision, then submitted Watsapinya Kaewkhong in 88 seconds. Two losses to Ham Seo Hee at ONE: Empower in 2021 and ONE X in 2022 interrupted that momentum and demanded a full reset.
She responded with three straight wins over Lin Heqin, Julie Mezabarba, and Noelle Grandjean. That run earned a title shot, which was delayed by injury before finally arriving at ONE Fight Night 27 in January 2025. There, Zamboanga stopped Alyona Rassohyna in the second round to claim the interim ONE Women's Atomweight MMA World Title and a US$50,000 performance bonus, becoming the first Filipina in history to hold an MMA World Title. When Stamp Fairtex relinquished the undisputed crown four months later, Zamboanga's interim gold became the real thing.
Her scheduled first defence against Japan's Ayaka Miura at ONE 173 last November was withdrawn due to medical reasons. The nature of those reasons is now clear.
Zamboanga's statement left no ambiguity about what follows motherhood.
"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," she wrote.
"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."
