Ayaka Miura just sent a powerful message to the ONE Championship atomweight division. At ONE Friday Fights 116 in Bangkok, Miura wasted no time, finishing the undefeated Juliana Otálora with her signature scarf-hold Americana at 3:53 of Round 1.
The victory marks Miura’s fifth straight win and adds another highlight to her resume — one that now screams title contention. Ranked just behind reigning champion Denice Zamboanga, Miura appears poised for a long-awaited title shot at ONE 173, set to take place in Japan later this year.
Miura’s judo-based grappling and relentless submission arsenal were on full display. The scarf-hold Americana — known as the “Ayaka Lock” — made a brutal return, proving once again that Miura is one of the most dangerous ground fighters in the sport. Her ability to secure the finish so early against an unbeaten opponent showed just how refined her game has become.
“I came in focused and trusted what I do best,” Miura said after the win. “This one was for everyone back home. I hope I get to fight for the title in Japan next.”
Otálora showed flashes of promise in the early exchanges, but once the fight hit the mat, Miura’s experience and control took over. Their matchup — Miura vs Otálora — ended in just under four minutes, but it gave Miura exactly what she needed: another dominant performance on her climb back to the top.
With momentum, location, and legacy all aligning, the Tokyo native may finally be on her way to the gold. And if ONE 173 does grant her the shot, she’ll enter with the confidence of someone who knows her path — and her weapon of choice — is as sharp as ever.
