“Celebrate my birthday with a world title” - Denice Zamboanga eager to start 2025 with a bang by realizing her lifelong dream 

Denice Zamboanga hopes to have the best birthday ever by becoming the first Filipina MMA world champion. 'The Menace', who will turn 28 on Jan. 14, says obtaining 26 pounds of gold is her only wish.

Zamboanga can turn that dream into reality on Jan. 10, when she locks horns with Alyona Rassohyna in the first of two world title bouts at ONE Fight Night 28: Tang vs. Abdullaev on Prime Video.

The victor, of course, will leave Bangkok's iconic Lumpinee Stadium as the interim atomweight MMA world champion.

After winning six of her eight appearances in the home of martial arts, Zamboanga has long been due for a shot at 26 pounds of gold.

With glory right at her fingertips, the Filipina warrior said she'll do everything in her power to begin 2025 on the right track.

Denice Zamboanga shared in an exclusive ONE Championship interview:

"It’s going to be a big deal for me if I start the year with a win. I’m also gonna be celebrating my birthday this January as well, so I truly want to celebrate my birthday with a world title."

ONE Fight Night 27 will air live in US primetime free for Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada.

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Denice Zamboanga says Alyona Rassohyna is the only fighter to make Stamp sweat

While Alyona Rassohyna has been on the sidelines for quite some time after giving birth, Denice Zamboanga is not underestimating her next adversary.

After all, the Ukrainian veteran's incredible fighting abilities and unrelenting nature make her a tough match for anyone in the division.

For instance, 'The Menace' recalled how Rasoshyna gave atomweight MMA world champion Stamp Fairtex a hard time in their two meetings:

"In their fight, it was the first time I saw Stamp really struggle," Zamboanga told ONE.

"Before that, I don’t think there was a fighter who really made it difficult for Stamp. It was only Alyona," she added.