Philippine MMA in 2025: A Year of Triumphs and Trials
The year 2025 for Philippine mixed martial arts began with a burst of energy, only to slow down and struggle to find its rhythm. It was a season marked by both significant victories and sobering reminders of reality, combining moments worthy of celebration with stretches that tested even the most dedicated fans. Understanding the current state of the sport requires a mix of pride and concern.
A Historic Beginning
The year kicked off with a pivotal moment. Denice Zamboanga’s second-round stoppage of Alyona Rassohyna in January brought not only the ONE Interim Women’s Atomweight World Championship but also marked a historic accomplishment. With Stamp Fairtex later vacating the title and Zamboanga being elevated to the full champion status, the Philippines finally celebrated the achievement of a Filipina holding a major MMA title—a definitive moment that will resonate beyond the year.
Continuing the Winning Legacy
February further enriched this legacy as Joshua Pacio decisively defeated Jarred Brooks, securing the undisputed strawweight title. This performance solidified his status as one of the nation’s most accomplished fighters and served as a reminder of the country’s ongoing excellence in the sport. Furthermore, regional successes, like Geli Bulaong’s gold medal at the Southeast Asian Games and youth accomplishments such as Charlie Ratcliff’s win at the Asian Youth Games, suggested a promising future.
Reinventing and Returning
The year also saw personal reinventions and much-anticipated comebacks. Lito Adiwang’s move to flyweight concluded dramatically with a first-round knockout, while Jhanlo Sangiao showcased his finishing abilities after a lengthy absence. Locally, Jake Bron and Kimbert Alintozon delivered an exhilarating nearly five-round match for the vacant Zeus Fight League flyweight championship. Furthermore, positive contract news emerged, with Stephen Loman rejoining BRAVE Combat Federation and Drex Zamboanga exploring new opportunities abroad.
Challenges and Concerns
Yet, 2025 also bore the weight of surprising endings. Eduard Folayang’s swift submission loss to Shinya Aoki was painful not only due to the defeat but also because it reaffirmed a rivalry already settled by time. Kevin Belingon’s loss to Bibiano Fernandes added to this somber narrative, raising doubts about the direction of these veteran fighters. Even successful outings, like Pacio’s failed attempt at a second title, highlighted the fragility of momentum.
Looking Ahead
Despite these setbacks, 2025 was not wholly negative; it highlighted both achievements and unresolved challenges in Philippine MMA. As inactivity loomed and local promotions struggled to maintain regular events, fans began to question whether forward motion was stalling. The sport must find a balance between honoring legacies and seizing opportunities before they slip away.
A Call to Action
As we move forward, the imperative is clear: turn potential into consistent success and transform silence into action. The historic moments achieved this year should not remain isolated; instead, they must serve as the bedrock for a thriving MMA ecosystem in the Philippines. Hope endures, and with it, the possibility for a noteworthy future in the sport.
(For comments or questions, reach the author at [email protected] or visit his Facebook page at www.facebook.com/nissi.icasiano.)
