The ONE Women\u2019s Atomweight MMA World Championship is the most valuable prize in women\u2019s mixed martial arts, and there are three superstars who have held the coveted gold and left an indelible mark on the division.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The journey of this prestigious crown has been marked by historic moments and unforgettable battles that have captivated fans worldwide.<\/p>\n
From a teenage prodigy who rewrote the record books to a three-sport icon who transcended disciplines, and finally to the Philippines\u2019 first-ever female MMA World Champion, these world-class heroes have created a legacy that continues to inspire the next generation of female athletes.<\/p>\n
Before Denice \u201cThe Menace\u201d Zamboanga<\/a> defends her throne against Ayaka \u201cZombie\u201d Miura<\/a> at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri<\/a> in Tokyo\u2019s Ariake Arena on November 16, we examine the complete history of the ONE Women\u2019s Atomweight MMA World Title and the extraordinary athletes who have worn the crown.<\/p>\n Inaugural Queen Angela Lee Makes History As Youngest Ever World Champion<\/p>\n The journey of the ONE Women\u2019s Atomweight MMA World Championship began with a teenager who would redefine what was possible in combat sports.<\/p>\n \u201cUnstoppable\u201d Angela Lee<\/a> made history when she captured the inaugural World Title with a thrilling unanimous decision victory over Mei \u201cV.V\u201d Yamaguchi<\/a> at ONE: Ascent To Power in May 2016 to become the youngest-ever MMA World Champion at only 19 years and 10 months old.<\/p>\n Lee\u2019s performance against the Japanese veteran displayed the well-rounded skill set that would define her reign, as she demonstrated superior grappling and impeccable striking.<\/p>\n However, the Singaporean-American phenom\u2019s time at the top was anything but easy, and it required her to consistently prove that she possessed the skills and poise beyond her years.<\/p>\n After winning the gold, \u201cUnstoppable\u201d dominated her first three defenses as the divisional queen, even battling through pneumonia to submit Istela Nunes in 2017.<\/p>\n In her rematch against Yamaguchi a year later, the Evolve MMA representative dished out another masterclass to overcome her rival on the scorecards.<\/p>\n In 2019, Lee pursued two-division dominance when she moved up a weight class to challenge ONE Women\u2019s Strawweight MMA World Champion \u201cThe Panda\u201d Xiong Jing Nan<\/a>, although she was unsuccessful in her bid.<\/p>\n \u201cUnstoppable\u201d would rematch the Chinese MMA icon months later, this time successfully defending her atomweight belt with a rear-naked choke to even her series with Xiong at ONE: Century Part I.<\/p>\n Lee\u2019s reign then came to a symbolic end at ONE Fight Night 14 in September 2023, when top contenders Stamp Fairtex<\/a> and Ham Seo Hee<\/a> battled for divisional supremacy.<\/p>\n In a touching passing-of-the-torch moment, \u201cUnstoppable\u201d announced her retirement from professional competition during the event\u2019s live broadcast, personally crowning Stamp as the undisputed ONE Women\u2019s Atomweight MMA World Champion.<\/p>\n The Evolve MMA athlete retired with an 11-3 record, including four World Title defenses, closing the chapter on one of the most remarkable championship reigns in MMA history.<\/p>\n Stamp Defeats Ham To Become A Three-Sport Icon<\/p>\n When Stamp Fairtex first stepped into the Circle as a pure striker, few could have predicted that the Thai superstar would eventually become the most accomplished multi-sport athlete in ONE Championship history.<\/p>\n After establishing herself as the ONE Women\u2019s Atomweight Kickboxing and Muay Thai World Champion, the Fairtex Training Center affiliate decided to test herself in the MMA realm.<\/p>\n The transition proved remarkably successful, as she quickly built a solid reputation with her aggressive style and constantly improving grappling skills.<\/p>\n Her breakthrough moment came when she claimed the ONE Women\u2019s Atomweight MMA World Grand Prix Championship by submitting wrestling sensation Ritu \u201cThe Indian Tigress\u201d Phogat<\/a> in the final round at ONE: Winter Warriors in December 2021.<\/p>\n Stamp not only earned the tournament\u2019s coveted silver belt, but she booked herself a ticket to challenge Angela Lee for the throne \u2013 a fight that took place at ONE X in March 2022.<\/p>\n Despite a valiant effort, Stamp suffered a submission defeat to \u201cUnstoppable,\u201d but the setback proved to be merely a temporary obstacle for the fighting pride of Thailand.<\/p>\n She bounced back with a convincing unanimous decision victory over Jihin \u201cShadow Cat\u201d Radzuan<\/a> just a few months later. Then, at ONE Fight Night 10, the organization\u2019s first-ever event on North American soil, Stamp folded local favorite Alyse \u201cLil\u2019 Savage\u201d Anderson<\/a> with a devastating body kick to earn another crack at the coveted gold.<\/p>\n Stamp\u2019s moment of destiny arrived at ONE Fight Night 14 in September 2023 against Ham Seo Hee in Singapore.<\/p>\n The Fairtex product seized the moment with another highlight-reel finish, starching the South Korean veteran with a brilliant striking display to officially become the first and only three-sport World Champion in ONE.<\/p>\n However, Stamp\u2019s reign would prove to be brief, as a knee injury forced her to relinquish the ONE Women\u2019s Atomweight MMA World Championship, paving the way for a new queen to emerge.<\/p>\n Zamboanga Secures Gold To Make History As First-Ever Filipina MMA World Champion<\/p>\n For Denice \u201cThe Menace\u201d Zamboanga<\/a>, capturing the ONE Women\u2019s Atomweight MMA World Championship represented the culmination of years of dedication, perseverance, and unwavering belief.<\/p>\n The Filipina warrior had come tantalizingly close to vying for the crown on multiple occasions, but her World Title aspirations never quite materialized. Still, Zamboanga continued to persevere, winning fight after fight until she finally reached the pinnacle of her quest.<\/p>\n Following a two-fight skid to Ham Seo Hee, \u201cThe Menace\u201d embarked on an impressive four-fight winning streak that kicked off with a hard-earned split decision victory over \u201cMMA Sister\u201d Lin Heqin<\/a> at ONE on Prime Video 5 in December 2022.<\/p>\n She followed that up with a dominant display against Julie Mezabarba at ONE Fight Night 9 the following year, displaying a more well-rounded approach against the Brazilian veteran.<\/p>\n Another unanimous decision victory over Noelle Grandjean at ONE 167 further solidified \u201cThe Menace\u2019s\u201d position as a legitimate contender, setting up her long-awaited opportunity to compete for World Championship gold.<\/p>\n