Ayaka Miura's potential ONE Atomweight MMA World Title shot hangs in the balance when she faces undefeated promotional newcomer Juliana Otalora at ONE Friday Fights 116 on 18 July at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
The #2-ranked Japanese contender enters the bout with championship implications on the line, carrying a four-fight winning streak that has positioned her as the division's top challenger.
Three of those victories have come via submission, showcasing the grappling prowess that made her a threat since transitioning from judo.Miura's 15-5 career record has established her as one of the most consistent performers in the 115-pound division. At 34, the Tribe Tokyo MMA veteran believes her experience and continuous improvement give her advantages over younger competition.
"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," Miura said.
Otalora represents a significant threat to Miura's championship aspirations, bringing an unblemished record and the unpredictability of a fighter making her ONE Championship debut. The Colombian's undefeated status adds urgency to Miura's preparation.
"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.
The fight carries broader implications for Japanese MMA representation on the global stage. Miura has positioned herself as a standard-bearer for her country's fighting culture, viewing each performance as a reflection of Japanese martial arts excellence.
"I want to fight properly as a representative of Japan. I want to win solidly and connect it to what's next," Miura said.
A victory would likely secure Miura's long-awaited title shot. The stakes couldn't be higher for both atomweight competitors.
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