Denice Zamboanga has officially ascended to the pinnacle of the ONE Women’s Atomweight division, claiming the world title after reigning champion Stamp Fairtex vacated the belt due to injury complications.
ONE Championship made the announcement Friday, confirming that Fairtex, who had been in the midst of rehabilitation following knee surgery, suffered a fresh setback that has taken her out of contention for the highly anticipated title unification clash.
The showdown, originally scheduled for August 1, 2025, at Ball Arena in Denver, has now been shelved, with the event moved to a new date: June 26, 2026.
While the news came as a disappointment to fans eager for the Stamp-Zamboanga faceoff, ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong emphasized the promotion’s long-term vision for the U.S. market.
“Our thoughts are with Stamp as she recovers. Her health comes first, and we hope to see her back stronger than ever,” said Sityodtong. “As we bring ONE Championship to the U.S., our goal is not just to hold events but to deliver blockbuster moments that resonate globally.”
The delay in the Denver event marks a temporary setback for the promotion’s North American expansion strategy. Still, Zamboanga’s rise provides a fresh narrative for the Atomweight division. The newly crowned champion has been a top contender for years, and now, with the gold finally around her waist, fans are eager to see who will step up to challenge her.
Despite the shift in plans, ONE’s commitment to the U.S. remains unwavering. “The American fan base is incredibly important to us. When we bring our product to the U.S., it has to be world-class — nothing less,” Sityodtong added.
As for Zamboanga, her journey to the top has been anything but easy. With the title now officially hers, the focus turns to her next challenger — and whether Stamp Fairtex will one day return to reclaim the throne she never lost inside the cage.
