Second-ranked atomweight MMA contender Ayaka Miura will face undefeated promotional newcomer Juliana "La Patrona" Otalora at ONE Friday Fights 116 on Friday, July 18, at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Miura is currently riding a four-fight winning streak that includes a submission victory over Ritu Phogat at ONE 171 in February. The 34-year-old Japanese fighter finished Phogat with a kneebar, demonstrating her submission skills beyond her signature "Ayaka Lock."
The "Ayaka Lock" is a scarf-hold Americana that has produced eight career victories for the judoka. Her recent winning streak also includes first-round submission wins over Macarena Aragon and Meng Bo, plus a unanimous decision over Itsuki Hirata.
Miura has maintained an 88 percent finishing rate throughout her ONE Championship tenure. Her victory over Phogat showcased her ability to adapt and find different ways to win fights.
"That was a fight where I could show what I've been saying all along," Miura said.
"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."
"My condition feels like it's constantly maintained. 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."
A victory over Otalora could position Miura for a shot at Denice Zamboanga's ONE Women's Atomweight MMA World Championship. ONE 173 is scheduled to take place in Japan in November, which could present an opportunity for Miura to compete for the title on home soil.
However, Miura said she remains focused on her upcoming opponent rather than potential title opportunities.
"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 said.
"I want to fight properly as a representative of Japan. I want to win solidly and connect it to what's next."
