The path to championship gold is never smooth, and Ayaka Miura knows that better than most. Standing just one victory away from a potential title shot, the Japanese submission specialist faces undefeated newcomer Juliana “La Patrona” Otalora at ONE Friday Fights 116 this Friday, July 18, inside Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium.
For Miura, the timing couldn’t be more perfect. The #2-ranked atomweight MMA contender is riding a four-fight winning streak that has positioned her as the clear next challenger for Denice Zamboanga’s ONE Women’s Atomweight MMA World Championship. Even better, ONE 173 is scheduled for Japan in November, offering the possibility of fighting for the title on home soil.
But first, she must navigate the challenge of facing an undefeated fighter hungry to make her mark.
Miura’s recent surge has been built on her legendary submission skills. The 34-year-old judoka has turned the “Ayaka Lock” – a scarf-hold Americana – into one of the most feared techniques in women’s MMA, producing eight career victories. Her 88 percent finishing rate in ONE Championship speaks to her ability to end fights decisively.
Her most recent victory over Ritu Phogat at ONE 171 in February showcased her evolving game. Instead of relying on her trademark submission, Miura adapted and secured a kneebar finish, proving her submission arsenal extends beyond one technique.
“That was a fight where I could show what I’ve been saying all along,” Miura explained. “I don’t think strategizing really shows one’s true character, and I just do what I always do without thinking much about the opponent.”
But Otalora represents a different kind of challenge entirely. The undefeated fighter enters her ONE Championship debut with nothing to lose and everything to gain. That desperation can be dangerous, and Miura knows it.
Despite the title implications hanging over this fight, Miura refuses to look past her immediate opponent. The veteran understands that in MMA, one moment of inattention can destroy months of momentum.
“I’m training to be able to handle anything, so that doesn’t change. But right now, I’m focused on the opponent in front of me,” she stated. “I want to fight properly as a representative of Japan. I want to win solidly and connect it to what’s next.”
The pressure of representing her country adds another layer to an already significant fight. Japanese fans have been waiting for another homegrown champion in ONE Championship, and Miura could be the one to deliver that dream – if she can get past Otalora first.
“My condition feels like it’s constantly maintained,” she said. “I’m going smoothly this time in a good way. But I think the strongest factor is that I’m always trying to improve myself.”
That commitment to improvement has kept her competitive at 34 years old in a sport that typically favors younger athletes. Her experience advantage over the debuting Otalora could prove crucial, but she’s taking nothing for granted.
As fight night approaches, Miura stands at a crucial moment in her career. Victory likely means a title shot in Japan, the kind of opportunity most fighters can only dream of. Defeat means watching someone else get that chance while she rebuilds her momentum from scratch.
The championship is calling, but first, she must answer the challenge standing directly in her path.
