3 Reasons Why ONE Newcomer Nanami Ichikawa Can Upset Bianca Basilio At ONE Fight Night 22

Nanami Ichikawa is just weeks away from the biggest opportunity of her competitive career.

On May 3 in U.S. primetime, the Japanese athlete will make her ONE debut in a 132-pound catchweight submission grappling tilt against multiple-time Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Champion Bianca Basilio.

For the promotional newcomer, that matchup at ONE Fight Night 22: Sundell vs. Diachkova on Prime Video represents her chance to take out one of the sport’s most respected names and become an overnight sensation.

Here are three reasons why Ichikawa can upset the Brazilian superstar at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

#1 Diverse Takedowns

A black belt in both judo and BJJ, Ichikawa is an extremely skilled takedown artist with a wide array of innovative techniques at her disposal.

In addition to fundamental wrestling takedowns, like the ankle pick or single leg, she is well-versed in plenty of upper-body throws and creative trips.

Against Basilio, expect the 36-year-old to fight hard for top position and push the pace with aggressive takedowns so long as the match is on the feet.

#2 Pressure Passing

Once she’s achieved the top position, Ichikawa is a relentless guard-passer, reminiscent of reigning ONE Submission Grappling World Champions Kade and Tye Ruotolo.

Like the twin phenoms, Ichikawa employs nonstop movement and aggression to pass the guard, never allowing her opponent to settle.

Where she departs from the Ruotolos, though, is with her tendency to rely on heavy pressure and suffocating top control to create openings to secure a dominant position.

This style of pressure passing should serve her well against Basilio, who is renowned for a dynamic and dangerous open guard.

#3 Elite Back-Takes

While she’s a well-rounded grappler with black belt skills in all areas of ground fighting, Ichikawa’s ultimate goal is always to take her foe’s back and sink in the match-ending choke.

Because she applies such heavy pressure when passing, many of her opponents will turn and expose their backs in an effort to avoid the pass – and that’s when Ichikawa pounces.

Look for her to target Basilio’s back and jump on any opportunity that presents itself. Once Ichikawa takes the back, she is a supremely dangerous finisher with the rear-naked choke – making her a real submission threat to any woman in the world.