Denice Zamboanga says interim world title win earned through "hard work, tears" after emotional ONE Fight Night 27 triumph

Denice Zamboanga faced one too many hurdles on her way to booking a shot for ONE Championship gold for years. But that all changed at ONE Fight Night 27.

The Filipina warrior has long been regarded as a world champion in the making after putting on one brilliant performance after another to secure her spot in the top-five ranking in the loaded atomweight MMA contender.

But fate always seemed to have other ideas.

Last year alone, 'The Menace' had to face the music twice. An injury to divisional queen Stamp Fairtex forced their ONE 167 world title tilt onto the back burner.

Then, when the promotion locked her in to challenge Alyona Rassohyna for the interim crown, it was Zamboanga's turn to pull out due to injury.

Despite all the setbacks that delayed her a maiden shot at 26 pounds of gold, Zamboanga fought her way back into full fitness to get her Rassohyna match rebooked for ONE Fight Night 27.

This time, nothing came in her way of glory — and the victory was made even sweeter as Denice Zamboanga got the job done in the second round to earn the ONE interim atomweight MMA world title and become the first female athlete from the Philippines to taste gold in the sport.

Speaking to Mitch Chilson shortly after her victory inside the Lumpinee Stadium, Denice Zamboanga admitted despite the challenging path, quitting was never an option:

"You know, guys, I've been aiming for this gold for years! I'm not here on short notice or anything. I've earned this through hard work, tears, and everything. I'm very speechless."

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Denice Zamboanga pleased to finally cross the line with gold wrapped around her waist

Taking to Instagram a day after her emphatic win, Denice Zamboanga penned a short message to her family, teammates, and fans, to thank them for their constant support and motivation.

At the same time, the interim champ acknowledged that the delays made it even more worthwhile. Part of her caption read:

"PHILIPPINES WE MADE IT! 🇵🇭 🏆. God always has a reason for every delays.

"‘For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’. Jeremiah 29:11.

"Hardwork. Sweat. Blood. Sacrifices."

ONE Fight Night 27 is available via replay on Amazon Prime Video for active subscribers in the United States and Canada.