Ayaka Miura is only fixated on booking Xiong Jing Nan rematch for world title

While Japanese judo specialist Ayaka Miura is set to dip her hands in a new sport in her upcoming fight, she is still bent on taking another shot at Chinese powerhouse Xiong Jing Nan and her ONE women's strawweight world title.

'Zombie' first challenged Xiong for the belt in January last year at ONE: Heavy Hitters in Singapore, where she lost by unanimous decision.

The Tribe Tokyo MMA affiliate tried to take the contest to the ground but the proud world champion came prepared and successfully thwarted Ayaka Miura’s takedown attempts while also inflicting damage with her stand-up game. After five rounds, all the judges went Xiong’s way.

Believing that she has improved as a fighter since their last encounter, Ayaka Miura is aiming to get a rematch with Xiong and seize the world title from her.

The Japanese fighter told Sportskeeda MMA in an exclusive interview:

“To be honest, I don’t really care about other [fights]. I will win next time.”

She added:

“I want to fight with Xiong Jing Nan again. I want to challenge her once more because I’ve been improving myself and want to prove that I can be a champion.”

While Ayaka Miura awaits her rematch, she will make her first foray into submission grappling, with her debut outing against American jiu-jitsu ace Danielle Kelly at ONE Fight Night 7 on Prime Video on February 24 in Bangkok.

'Zombie' expects a tough battle against Kelly but is confident of springing up surprises and swaying things in her favor en route to a win.

ONE Fight Night 7 will take place at the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium and will be aired live and for free to all Prime Video subscribers in North America.

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Ayaka Miura had no problems taking submission grappling match against dangerous Danielle Kelly

In line with her goal of continuing to improve as a fighter, Japanese judo expert Ayaka Miura had no problems agreeing to compete in submission grappling in her upcoming fight.

The Tribe Tokyo MMA affiliate will face off against Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt Danielle Kelly in a catchweight submission grappling showdown at ONE Fight Night 7 on Prime Video on February 24 in Bangkok.

It will mark the first time that she will be competing under submission grappling rules. Miura said that she did not wait too long to accept the match when it was offered to her, believing it would only help her become a more well-rounded fighter.

Ayaka Miura told Sportskeeda MMA:

“It’s simple - ONE Championship offered this match so I decided to accept. I wanted to stay active.”

Miura has spent the last four years fighting in mixed martial arts in ONE and is now looking to carve a name for herself in submission grappling. She warned Kelly not to take her lightly as she will bring everything come fight night, including her signature 'Ayaka Lock' move.