Girl Power: How the Rise of Women MMA Fighters is Shaping the Way We Think About Women in Combat Sports   

Denice Zamboanga, Gina Iniong, Jenelyn Olsim. 

No, they are not beauty queens. They are not the next matinee idols or upcoming teleserye princesses. 

They are, in fact, warriors—the faces of mixed martial arts in the Philippines. 

And yes, they are women. But they can make any capable man tap out, or have them visit the nearest hospital. 

In recent years, the country has witnessed the rise of women fighters participating in local and international competitions, particularly because of these three. They have set the bar and broken the stigma that MMA, a sport that was once dominated by men, has now embraced women as competitors and champions. 

Although there are still those who maintain their Maria Clara status, more women are also recognizing that modern times have made them resilient. It is a strong statement that society has empowered them to stand toe-to-toe with their testosterone-filled counterparts and, of course, fill up gyms and fight clubs for their after-shift sparring sessions.

MMA is a physical activity that requires an individual to be fit inside and out. Aside from the common strength, flexibility, endurance, coordination, and determination that it requires, mixed martial arts is also credited for heightened levels of self-esteem, self-control, greater emotional stability, assertiveness, and reduction in aggression and violent behavior. 

Of course, there’s the release of endorphins (happy hormones) that regulate mood swings and feelings of depression and anxiety. Likewise, MMA reduces cortisol (stress hormones), improves mental focus and concentration, and puts their mind at ease, making fighters zero in on harnessing their cognitive function and attention. 

And because they are women, MMA can boost their confidence, knowing that they can defend themselves just in case something goes south. This confidence can echo to other areas, such as work, how they take care of their family, and social interactions. The sport is also responsible for emotional regulation, where they learn to manage emotions in stressful situations. 

Zamboanga, Iniong, and Olsim have paved the way for Pinay fighters to follow in their footsteps. They don’t need to be One champions, a member of Team Lakay, or a Wushu expert, but their involvement in a male-dominated sport is more than enough to send waves of encouragement, empowerment, and mental toughness.