Interim ONE Championship Women's Atomweight champion Denice Zamboanga at the T-Rex MMA Gym, recently opened with her brother Drex, in Quezon City on January 21, 2025. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News

MANILA — ONE Interim Atomweight MMA World Champion Denice “The Menace” Zamboanga earned another first in her career.

The 28-year-old Zamboanga — who made history by becoming the first Filipina to win a World Title in mixed martial arts after her victory over Alyona Rassohyna in January’s ONE Fight Night 27 — is the newest athlete to join the World Balance family, making her the first MMA fighter to be signed under the local sporting brand.  

“I’m incredibly proud to be partnering with World Balance. As a homegrown brand, they represent the same values I believe in — resilience, authenticity, and pushing your limits. It’s an honor to represent a brand that empowers Filipinos to move forward with confidence, both in sports and in life,” Zamboanga said.  

“I’m excited for what’s ahead and grateful to be part of a brand that champions local talent and inspires the next generation to keep striving for greatness.”  

Zamboanga’s run in mixed martial arts wasn’t lost on World Balance president and CEO Barnaby Chong.  

The Quezon City native had to go through several disappointments – from injuries, delays, and heartbreaking decisions –  but ultimately rose above to make history and blaze the trail for Filipinas in the male-dominated sport.  

Now, Zamboanga will look to unify the ONE Atomweight MMA World Championship against good friend Stamp Fairtex at ONE 173: Denver this August 3.  

“Denice Zamboanga’s achievement as the first Filipina World Title holder in MMA proves that with hard work and dedication, we Filipinos can excel on the world stage,” Chong said.  

“We have to believe that we can. World Balance is so proud and honored to have her in the family, as we continue to support our local athletes, especially on the world stage.”  

Zamboanga joins some of the country’s most popular athletes as World Balance’s endorsers, starting with the newly-inducted member of the PBA 50 Greatest Players list in Scottie Thompson, and 10-time PVL champion Michele Gumabao.  

Coincidentally, Zamboanga is a big fan of Gumabao and Creamline – even dropping by the PhilSports Arena weeks after her title conquest to watch the Cool Smashers play in the PVL.  

“This partnership means a lot to me, not just as an athlete but as someone who’s always believed in staying true to my roots. World Balance has been a part of many Filipinos’ lives growing up, and now I get to carry that legacy with me inside and outside the cage,” she said.  

“I’m excited for what’s ahead and grateful to be part of a brand that champions local talent and inspires the next generation to keep striving for greatness.”