It was a night of triumph and pride for Filipino MMA as Joshua “The Passion” Pacio reclaimed his position at the top — and no one was more thrilled than fellow Team Lakay warrior, Denice Zamboanga. The Filipina strawweight standout couldn’t contain her joy after witnessing Pacio’s stunning performance, and she took to social media and interviews to celebrate his huge victory.

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 A Victory for the Nation

In a high-stakes matchup that tested skill, grit, and heart, Joshua Pacio proved why he’s one of the most respected names in Asian MMA. With laser focus and relentless pressure, he overcame a tough opponent, reminding fans around the world of his championship caliber.

Filipino champ Joshua Pacio offers new mixed rules fight for ONE  Championship - Sports - The Jakarta Post

Denice Zamboanga, known for her own fearless fighting style, was in attendance and emotionally invested from the first round to the final bell.

“I was screaming the whole time!” Zamboanga said, smiling ear to ear.
“Joshua trained so hard for this, and he earned every bit of that win. I’m so, so proud of him.”

Joshua Pacio Impikan Para Juara Dunia Baru Asal Filipina Di ONE

 Unity in Team Philippines

The bond between Pacio and Zamboanga is more than just professional — it’s a shared mission to represent Philippine MMA with pride, discipline, and heart. Both fighters have become icons in the region, and their support for one another reflects the deep camaraderie within Team Philippines.

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“It’s not just his win — it’s a win for all of us. For Filipino fighters everywhere,” Denice said.
“Every time one of us steps into the cage, we carry our flag, our families, and our dreams with us.”

TEAM PHILIPPINES 🇵🇭❤️ Denice Zamboanga Was OVERJOYED For Joshua Pacio -  YouTube

 Denice’s Heartfelt Tribute

After the event, Denice posted a heartfelt tribute to Pacio on Instagram, featuring a photo of the two embracing backstage. The caption read:

“Proud of you always, champ! You inspire us to keep pushing, keep fighting, and keep believing. 🇵🇭🔥 #TeamPhilippines #PacioIsBack #PinoyPride”

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Fans flooded the comments with congratulations, pride, and emotional reactions. It was more than a win — it was a moment for Filipino fight fans to celebrate resilience, unity, and victory.

Filipino champ Joshua Pacio offers new mixed rules fight for ONE  Championship - Sports - The Jakarta Post

 What’s Next?

With Joshua Pacio back in the spotlight and Denice Zamboanga continuing her own rise in the women’s division, the future looks bright for Philippine MMA. Both fighters have expressed their commitment to elevating the sport at home and inspiring the next generation of Pinoy warriors.

“We’re just getting started,” Denice said. “There’s more work to do. But tonight, we celebrate.”

 

Final Thoughts

When one of them wins, Team Philippines wins. And thanks to stars like Denice Zamboanga and Joshua Pacio, the world is taking notice of the strength, heart, and talent that the Philippines brings to the global MMA stage.