‘I Just Do What I Always Do’ – Japanese MMA Star Ayaka Miura Plans To Extend Win Streak As Title Shot Looms

Ayaka “Zombie” Miura is determined to continue her dominant run in the women’s atomweight MMA division, and she believes her four-bout winning streak has positioned her perfectly for what could come next in her career.

Miura, the division’s #2-ranked contender, will look to keep her momentum rolling when she goes head-to-head with undefeated promotional newcomer Juliana “La Patrona” Otalora at ONE Friday Fights 116, which airs live in Asia primetime from Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium this Friday, July 18.

The Japanese judoka has been nothing short of spectacular, with her submission win over Indian wrestling superstar Ritu Phogat at ONE 171: Qatar in February serving as the latest example of her elite grappling prowess.

Miura has secured eight of her career victories with her signature “Ayaka Lock,” a scarf-hold Americana that forces opponents to tap out as soon as they are trapped in the lethal submission hold.

Though many adversaries have started to prepare for that trademark move and figure out how to escape, they sometimes fail to realize that “Zombie” has a lot more tricks to her game, as she displayed against Phogat.

She said:

“That was a fight where I could show what I’ve been saying all along.

“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.”

Miura needed less than three minutes to secure a kneebar against Phogat, once again showcasing the devastating ground game that has produced an 88 percent finishing rate throughout her ONE Championship tenure.

That February triumph marked the Japanese athlete’s fourth consecutive victory, a streak that also includes first-round submission wins over Macarena Aragon and Meng Bo, as well as a unanimous decision over Itsuki Hirata.

The 34-year-old’s approach to each fight has been methodical and focused, with her preparation serving as the foundation for her recent success.

“Zombie” offered:

“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 Eyes World Title Opportunity

While Ayaka Miura remains focused on her upcoming battle against Juliana Otalora, the surging Japanese judoka knows that another solid performance could position her for a shot at Denice “The Menace” Zamboanga‘s ONE Women’s Atomweight MMA World Championship.

With her current winning streak and tremendous momentum, “Zombie” understands that a decisive showing at ONE Friday Fights 116 could set the stage for a blockbuster World Title showdown at ONE 173: Superbon Vs. Noiri in Japan on November 16.

Miura has earned her place among the best Japanese MMA stars through years of commanding performances, and her recent victories have shown that she can handle the pressure when the stakes are the highest.

While “Zombie” certainly wants to challenge for atomweight gold in the near future, she is focused solely on the task at hand: her battle with Otalora.

She said:

“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.”

Fighting for Japan means everything to Miura. She carries that responsibility into every performance, knowing fans back in “The Land of the Rising Sun” are watching.

That national pride shapes how she approaches every bout, including her upcoming match at ONE Friday Fights 116.

Miura added:

“I want to fight properly as a representative of Japan. I want to win solidly and connect it to what’s next.”