Filipino star Denice Zamboanga “ready to make history for the country” in interim world title shot against Alyona Rassohyna

Denice Zamboanga is ready to give the Philippines another piece of ONE Championship gold.

The Filipino star will face off against Alyona Rassohyna for the ONE interim women's atomweight MMA world title at ONE Fight Night 27 on Friday, US primetime, at the historic Lumpinee Stadium.

Expressing her thoughts on Instagram, Zamboanga wrote that she's determined to make history and become the Philippines' first-ever female MMA world champion.

"All Glory to God! All the hard work, sweat, and tears are almost done. Time to work and make history for the country! 🇵🇭"

Denice Zamboanga, the No. 2-ranked women's atomweight MMA contender, has been on a steady rise to the world title picture with three straight wins against Lin Heqin, Julie Mezabarba, and Noelle Grandjean.

'The Menace' was initially scheduled to challenge close friend and former training partner Stamp Fairtex for the ONE women's atomweight MMA world title at ONE 167.

Stamp, however, tore the meniscus in her left knee and pulled out of the event. Zamboanga, nevertheless, stayed on the card and dominated Grandjean for the comfortable unanimous decision win in Bangkok.

If Zamboanga gets past Rassohyna this Friday, she will become the seventh fighter of Filipino descent to capture an MMA world title in ONE Championship.

Brandon Vera, Eduard Folayang, Honorio Banario, Kevin Belingon, Geje Eustaquio and ONE strawweight MMA world champion Joshua Pacio have all held MMA gold in ONE Championship.

ONE Fight Night 27 is ONE Championship's first Amazon card of the year and is available live and free to all Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada.

---

Denice Zamboanga says she's "blessed" for her chance at gold at ONE Fight Night 27

Bringing home a piece of ONE Championship gold isn't just a personal goal for Denice Zamboanga.

The Filipino star said taking the ONE interim women's atomweight MMA world title is her way of establishing her presence and adding prestige to the Philippines' incredible history in ONE Championship.

In an interview with Nick Atkin, Zamboanga said:

"Yeah, I think it's time to bring back the belt to the Philippines. It’s very very [emotional]. I think I’m very blessed to have this opportunity to represent the Philippines and fight for the Philippines."

The Philippines had six fighters hold ONE MMA world titles, with 2018 becoming a marquee year for the country when five of the promotion's MMA straps belonged to Brandon Vera, Eduard Folayang, Kevin Belingon, Geje Eustaquio and Joshua Pacio.