‘I’ll Win And Challenge For The Belt Again’ – Ayaka Miura Aims To Bounce Back Against Dayane Souza

After falling just short of World Title gold, Ayaka Miura plans to get back on track on Friday, 22 April.

That evening, the Japanese submission specialist will face promotional newcomer Dayane Souza in a strawweight MMA fight on the lead card of ONE: Eersel vs. Sadikovic at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

ONE Championship dropped the full lineup for the show on Thursday, and “Zombie” immediately announced her intentions:

“My opponent is from LFA and now competing in ONE. From what I’ve seen on video, she looks very strong. But no matter my opponent, I will win and challenge for the belt again. I’ll definitely win.

“I would be grateful if you could send me power from Japan.”

Ayaka Miura’s translated caption on Instagram

In her most recent fight, Miura challenged longtime ONE Women’s Strawweight World Champion “The Panda” Xiong Jing Nan at ONE: HEAVY HITTERS this past January.

But while she planned to submit Xiong with her trademark “Ayaka Lock,” the 31-year-old judoka could not find the mark with her hip throws or takedown attempts.

On the flip side, “The Panda” executed a stellar defensive game plan, while her striking output was enough to earn a decision and extend her reign as ONE’s most successful female World Champion.

Despite the loss, Miura remains the division’s #4-ranked contender, and with a victory on 22 April, she can stay firmly in the World Title mix.

Grappling Could Decide Showdown Between Ayaka Miura And Dayane Souza

Ayaka Miura’s judo has powered her past world-class warriors in the past, so fans can expect the Tribe Tokyo MMA star to maintain a similar strategy when she goes toe-to-toe with Dayane Souza.

“Zombie” finds most of her success on the canvas, and she will look to capitalize on any mistake by shooting for a single-leg takedown or gaining hip control.

Once on the ground, the Japanese athlete will undoubtedly search for her scarf-hold Americana submission – dubbed the “Ayaka Lock” – which has finished all four of her ONE Championship victories.

Souza is no pushover on the mats, though.

The 25-year-old Brazilian owns an 8-1-1 MMA record with two submissions, including a rear-naked choke in her last appearance.

“Monster” has also displayed strong stand-up skills with four career knockouts, so cans can expect an intriguing clash on 22 April at ONE: Eersel vs. Sadikovic.