Ayaka Miura is one of the most exciting contenders in ONE Championship today. With her submission skills, warrior spirit, and championship mindset, she is primed for a title run
Whether it’s against Stamp Fairtex, Denice Zamboanga, or even Xiong Jing Nan, Miura is ready to take on anyone.
She’s made it clear—she’s coming for the belt, and nothing will stand in her way.
With the atomweight title unification bout between Stamp Fairtex and Denice Zamboanga expected later this year, Miura may have to wait for her championship opportunity. However, that doesn’t mean she’ll sit idle.
Ayaka Miura’s victory at ONE 171 was more than just another win—it was a statement.
By proving she is not solely reliant on ‘The Ayaka Lock’, she has established herself as a versatile submission artist capable of adapting and evolving.
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Table of Contents
Ayaka Miura’s Eyes ONE Championship Gold
A Relentless Path to Glory
Ayaka Miura is on a mission. The Japanese MMA star has been making waves in ONE Championship’s atomweight division, determined to claim the coveted world title.1
After an impressive four-fight winning streak, including a dominant submission victory over Ritu Phogat at ONE 171: Qatar, Miura has set her sights on championship gold.
With the division in a state of transition, the former strawweight title challenger remains patient but ready to take on all challengers.
Whether it’s reigning champion Stamp Fairtex or interim titleholder Denice Zamboanga, Miura has made it clear—she’s prepared to face anyone standing between her and the throne.
ニューエラ展示会
いつもありがとうございます！@newera_japan pic.twitter.com/D41RMj3e14— Ayaka zombie Miura 🇯🇵三浦彩佳🧟♀️ (@ayk917m) February 25, 2025
The Championship Picture: Who Stands in Miura’s Way?
Miura’s ambitions, however, are complicated by the current state of the atomweight division.
The championship scene remains unsettled, with Stamp Fairtex and Denice Zamboanga expected to unify the division’s titles later this year.
While she acknowledges the uncertainty, Miura remains focused on one goal—getting a title shot. Speaking to The Bangkok Post’s Nick Atkin, she stated:
“No matter which weight class it may be [atomweight or strawweight], I’m looking forward to a championship title match. I know atomweight is the more active weight class at the moment. So if I get that title match, that’d be awesome.”
Her words make it clear—she’s willing to fight for gold, whether it’s in the atomweight division or a return to strawweight.
Ayaka Miura’s Dominant Run at Atomweight
Miura’s decision to drop from strawweight (125 lbs) to atomweight (115 lbs) has paid dividends.2
The move has revitalized her career, allowing her to showcase her world-class grappling against smaller opponents.
At ONE 171: Qatar, she wasted no time in making a statement. Facing the accomplished Indian wrestler Ritu Phogat, Miura secured an impressive first-round kneebar submission.
It was her fourth straight victory and further proof that her ground game remains one of the most dangerous weapons in the division.
The Signature Move: Miura’s Deadly Submission Game
Miura has built a reputation for her relentless ground game, particularly her mastery of scarf-hold armlocks and leg locks.
Nicknamed ‘Zombie’ for her relentless pressure, she has finished numerous opponents with submissions that leave little room for escape.
Against Phogat, she showcased the full extent of her submission arsenal, locking in a devastating kneebar that left no doubt about her elite grappling credentials.
The victory not only added another high-profile win to her resume but also earned her a $50,000 performance bonus from ONE Championship’s Chairman and CEO, Chatri Sityodtong.
Ayaka Miura: Potential Opponents for his Title Shot
With Miura knocking on the door of a championship opportunity, let’s examine her potential opponents:
1. Stamp Fairtex (Reigning Atomweight World Champion)
Stamp Fairtex is one of the most dynamic fighters in ONE Championship, boasting elite striking and improving grappling.
The Thai superstar captured the atomweight title with a thrilling performance against Angela Lee and remains the biggest name in the division.
A matchup between Stamp and Miura would be a classic striker vs. grappler battle. Miura’s elite ground game could be her key to victory, but she would need to navigate Stamp’s dangerous stand-up skills.
2. Denice Zamboanga (Interim Atomweight World Champion)
Denice Zamboanga’s rise to the top has been equally impressive. She claimed the interim belt in a hard-fought contest and is now waiting to unify the division. Known for her well-rounded skill set, Zamboanga presents a tough challenge for any opponent.
Miura’s grappling could pose a serious threat to Zamboanga, especially if she manages to bring the fight to the mat.
However, Zamboanga’s toughness and striking ability would test Miura’s durability.
3. A Rematch with Xiong Jing Nan (Strawweight Champion)
Miura previously challenged Xiong Jing Nan for the strawweight title in 2022 but fell short. If she ever decides to move back up to 125 pounds, a rematch could be an intriguing possibility.
Xiong’s power and striking overwhelmed Miura in their first encounter, but with her current momentum and refined skills, a second meeting could be much more competitive.
What Makes Miura a Serious Title Contender?
Miura’s success is built on a combination of elite grappling, relentless aggression, and a willingness to push forward at all costs.
Miura’s submission skills are among the best in the division. She has consistently proven that if she gets her opponents to the mat, it’s only a matter of time before she secures a finish.
Since her loss to Xiong Jing Nan, Miura has worked tirelessly to improve her overall game. Her striking has become more refined, and her takedown setups have become more efficient.
Miura doesn’t just win fights—she dominates. With multiple first-round finishes, she has shown that she can end fights decisively, making her a dangerous challenger for any champion.
Unlike some fighters who prefer to wait for the perfect opportunity, Miura has made it clear—she’s ready to fight anytime, anywhere. That kind of mentality is exactly what makes a great champion.
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Ayaka Miura Proud to Prove She’s Not a One-Trick Pony
Mastering the Art of Submissions
Ayaka Miura has long been recognized as a formidable force in mixed martial arts, particularly for her devastating kesa-gatame (scarf hold), known as ‘The Ayaka Lock‘.3
Her signature move has earned her multiple victories, leaving opponents helpless as they struggle to escape her clutches.
However, at ONE 171: Qatar, Miura proved that she is far from a one-dimensional fighter, showcasing a broader submission arsenal.
Miura’s journey in martial arts has been a continuous process of evolution. While she has dominated with ‘The Ayaka Lock’ for years, she has never stopped working on refining her grappling skills.
Her ability to transition between submissions and adapt to her opponents’ defenses has become a crucial factor in her continued success.
Overcoming Predictability in Combat
One of the greatest challenges for specialists in any martial art is predictability. When an athlete becomes known for a particular move, opponents dedicate time to finding ways to counter it.
Miura has faced this challenge head-on, proving that while her signature move remains a powerful weapon, she has many other tools in her arsenal.
Her recent victory highlighted her ability to capitalize on openings and exploit her opponents’ weaknesses in new ways.
At ONE 171: Qatar, Miura executed a flawless kneebar that caught both her opponent and the audience off guard.
While many expected her to rely on her signature move, she demonstrated her versatility by securing an entirely different submission. This victory not only expanded her reputation as a submission artist but also sent a message to future opponents—Miura is not a one-trick pony.
Ayaka Miura’s Post-Fight Reflections
Following her victory, Miura expressed immense satisfaction in proving her adaptability. Speaking to Mitch Chilson in a post-fight interview, she shared her excitement about successfully utilizing a new technique in a high-stakes match:
“I’m always trying to use something else other than my ‘Ayaka Lock’ and today I’m so glad I made it happen. I was in a good mood today, and I was looking forward to it.”
Her words reflect not only her dedication to growth but also the confidence she has in her evolving skill set.
Miura’s ability to secure different submissions suggests that she is actively working on diversifying her offensive strategy.
With the sport of MMA constantly evolving, fighters must continue to develop new techniques to stay ahead of their competition. Miura’s latest victory proves that she is more than willing to embrace change and expand her skill set.
The Importance of Adaptability in MMA
In the dynamic world of mixed martial arts, adaptability is key. Fighters who remain stagnant often find themselves struggling against well-prepared opponents.
Miura’s performance at ONE 171 showcased her ability to adjust her game plan in real-time, demonstrating a level of versatility that will serve her well in future bouts.
Miura’s growth as a fighter does not happen by accident. Her rigorous training regimen plays a crucial role in her ability to develop new techniques.
Training under some of the best grappling coaches in the world, she constantly sharpens her skills, ensuring she is always prepared to surprise her opponents with new tactics.
For opponents preparing to face Miura, her performance at ONE 171 presents a new challenge. In the past, fighters may have focused primarily on defending against ‘The Ayaka Lock’. Now, they must be wary of her entire submission arsenal. This unpredictability makes Miura an even more dangerous opponent moving forward.
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The Psychological Edge of Unpredictability
- A fighter’s ability to remain unpredictable can provide a significant psychological advantage.
- When an opponent cannot anticipate what technique will be used against them, they may hesitate or make critical mistakes.
- Miura’s decision to break away from her traditional strategy adds an extra layer of complexity for anyone trying to prepare for her.
- Miura’s latest performance has undoubtedly positioned her as a more well-rounded and dangerous fighter in the ONE Championship women’s division.
- Her willingness to expand her submission game suggests that she is aiming for greater challenges and potentially even title contention in the near future.
- Miura’s continued development also speaks to the importance of learning from top-level grapplers. Studying various submission specialists and integrating new techniques into her game plan will only make her more lethal.
- By constantly evolving, she ensures that she remains a step ahead of the competition.
- Miura’s performance at ONE 171: Qatar was met with enthusiasm from fans and analysts alike.
- Many praised her for demonstrating her ability to secure multiple types of submissions, reinforcing her reputation as a high-level grappler. Her evolution as a fighter has only increased the excitement surrounding her future fights.
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