Ayaka Miura Eyes ONE Atomweight MMA World Title Against Denice Zamboanga At ONE 173

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Japanese MMA sensation Ayaka Miura believes that fate and timing have aligned for her to capture the ONE Atomweight MMA World Title. She will challenge reigning divisional queen Denice Zamboanga for it at ONE 173.

Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan, will host this thrilling five-round championship fight on 16 November. The former ONE Strawweight MMA World Title challenger has moved down a division for a shot at the atomweight crown.

The 34-year-old, who began her atomweight journey in Japan, is now on an impressive four-fight winning streak. Miura said she wanted for fight Zamboanga for quite some time and believes it's her moment to claim the coveted belt.

"For me, this is finally the chance to face someone I've always wanted to fight. I was happy when Chatri [Sityodtong] himself told me about the match. And to have this opportunity in Japan, my home country, means a lot," Miura said.

"I believe the fact that I was given this title shot in Japan means it's my time to win. I used to think the location didn't matter, but now that I've been given this chance in Japan, I truly feel this is the moment I'm meant to take the belt."

The baby-faced Miura becomes a legit killer as soon as she steps into the ring, putting her opponents to sleep with her trademark scarf-hold Americana submission, also known as the "Ayaka Lock." The Tribe Tokyo MMA standout boasts an impressive eight submission victories in 13 fights.

The 5-foot-1 fury admitted that Zamboanga's striking has improved by leaps and bounds. Miura is well aware of her opponent's physicality and determined to win in convincing fashion not matter what.

"At first, I thought she was mainly a grappler, but in recent fights, her striking has really improved. Now I see her as a complete all-rounder. She also looks physically very strong," Miura admitted.

"My finish rate is high, so I want to win in a decisive way. It's a five-round fight, and I'm prepared to win no matter how messy or chaotic it gets. I'll be ready for anything during this final stretch of training."