Drex “T-Rex” Zamboanga is ready to remind the mixed martial arts world exactly who he is, and the stage is set inside the BRAVE Combat Federation cage.
The Filipino veteran has expressed his full readiness to return to action in 2026, signaling the start of a long-awaited chapter with the world’s fastest-growing and most global MMA organization.
After signing a multi-bout deal with BRAVE CF last year, Zamboanga is eager to make the most of the opportunities ahead and stay active in the months to come.
“I have been away long enough, and I am hungry to compete again. I signed with BRAVE CF to fight, and I want to maximize this contract,” he said.
His debut under the BRAVE CF banner has been months in the making. Zamboanga was originally scheduled to make his promotional debut at BRAVE CF 95 in May against unbeaten Bahraini standout and ranked lightweight contender Ramazan Gitinov.
The matchup promised fireworks, but plans were derailed when Zamboanga suffered a lateral collateral ligament injury, forcing him out of the contest before fight week.
Since then, “T-Rex” has quietly put in the work. Following extensive physical therapy and focused strengthening exercises, he has been medically cleared to resume full training. With that clearance comes the green light to return to competition.
“My body feels great now,” he shared. “The rehab was tough, but it worked. I am healthy, I am training at full intensity again, and I am starting to feel my groove come back every day.”
Long regarded as one of the Philippines’ top homegrown talents, Zamboanga brings a proven résumé into the BRAVE CF lightweight division.
He owns a 14-6 professional record with 11 finishes and first rose to prominence as the URCC bantamweight champion.
In September 2017, Zamboanga captured the vacant title with a technical knockout victory over fellow Filipino hard-hitter Rex De Lara. He later defended that belt in April 2019, defeating South Korea’s Seung Hyun Cho via doctor’s stoppage.
Zamboanga’s career continued to evolve on the international scene, where he posted a 3-1 run highlighted by victories over Detchadin Sorsirisuphathin, Rahul Raju, and Team Lakay representative Adonis Sevilleno.
Now, fully recovered and with his motivation renewed, Zamboanga sees BRAVE CF as the platform for a true resurgence.
“This feels like a fresh start for me,” he stated. “BRAVE CF gives me the chance to reset, to prove myself again, and to rekindle my career in 2026. I believe my best performances are still ahead of me.”
