Ayaka Miura’s path to championship gold has by no means been clearer. Another dominant efficiency may safe her place within the title image.
The #2-ranked atomweight MMA contender faces undefeated promotional newcomer Juliana “La Patrona” Otalora at ONE Friday Fights 116 on Friday, July 18, inside Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium. For Miura, the bout represents one other step towards her final purpose.
“Zombie” has been constructing unstoppable momentum over the previous yr. Her submission victory over Indian wrestling celebrity Ritu Phogat at ONE 171 in February showcased her evolving submission recreation past her signature method.
Whereas many know Miura for her devastating “Ayaka Lock” – a scarf-hold Americana that has produced eight profession victories – she’s confirmed there’s far more to her arsenal. The kneebar end towards Phogat demonstrated her means to adapt and discover new methods to win.
That February triumph marked her fourth consecutive victory, a streak that features first-round submission wins over Macarena Aragon and Meng Bo, plus a unanimous determination over Itsuki Hirata.
The 34-year-old Japanese judoka has maintained an 88 % ending fee all through her ONE Championship tenure, proving she’s some of the harmful grapplers within the division.
“That was a struggle the place I may present what I’ve been saying all alongside,” she mentioned.
“I don’t assume strategizing actually exhibits one’s true character, and I simply do what I all the time do with out considering a lot in regards to the opponent.
“My situation feels prefer it’s continuously maintained. I’m going easily this time in a great way. However I believe the strongest issue is that I’m all the time attempting to enhance myself.”
