University News

QC alum becomes first Filipino MMA World title holder

Jan Vincent Lanuza, News, Communication Management Office

PUP Alumni, both past and present, has once showcased to the world its great aptitude in the field of athletics, especially in the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).

PUP Quezon City Campus’s own Denice “The Menace” Zamboanga won the ONE Interim MMA Women’s Atomweight World Title in the ONE Fight Night 27 at the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand last January 10, 2025, defeating Ukrainian fighter Alyona Rassohyna via Technical Knockout (ground-and-pound) at the 4:47 mark of Round Two with a flurry of strikes, capping off a dominant performance.

With her monumental victory, Zamboanga became the first Filipina in the history of the sport to claim an MMA World Title, moved to 7-1 in the standings, and setting the stage for a collision course with the reigning MMA Women’s Atomweight Champion Stamp Fairtex. She also received a $50,000 performance bonus from ONE Championship Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Chatri Sityodtong.

Zamboanga was a Diploma in Information and Communication Technology student at PUP QC, graduating in 2017.

PUP QC Campus Director Prof. Jaime P. Gutierrez Jr. congratulated Zamboanga, calling her achievement “a pride and shining moment not only to the Sintang Paaralan but to the entire nation as well.”

“As a true PUPian, she has exemplified discipline, commitment, and courage—not only in the ring but in facing life’s greater challenges,” Gutierrez added.

In an interview, she expressed her excitement and gratitude for this win as it was the culmination of her year-long training and the sacrifices that she made along the way.

In addition, the ONE Interim MMA Women’s Atomweight Champion credited the Sintang Paaralan for boosting her self-confidence that helped overcome her shy and quiet disposition as a student, turning into the person that she is today. She also thanked the Sintang Paaralan for always looking out for her and for their support towards her MMA journey as they, along with her friends and loved ones, gave her the strength and motivation in her fights.

“It drives me and motivates me when it comes to my career kasi iba talaga ang feeling na may sumusuporta sa iyo like they are looking forward to my fights. Ang mga ganoong support, sobrang important,” she said.

(It drives me and motivates me when it comes to my career because it really feels different when you have support, like they are looking forward to my fights. That kind of support is incredibly important.)

Despite reaching the pinnacle of her career, Zamboanga sees this as just the beginning. She plans to intensify her training, work even harder, and continue inspiring others to take up MMA—not just as a sport but as a means of physical, mental, and spiritual development.

Her triumph serves as a testament to the diverse talents of PUPians in both national and international arenas.

“PUPians are the best when it comes to, not only with academics, but also in sports.” Zamboanga claimed.

_{(Note: English translation generated from AI.)}