Japanese star Ayaka Miura over the moon after cashing her first $50,000 performance bonus: “I did a very good fight”

Former women's strawweight MMA world title challenger Ayaka Miura has certainly paid her dues in the world's largest martial arts organization. A veteran of 11 matches under the one banner, 'Zombie' has had her share of ups and downs, but has always given her all inside the Circle.

At ONE 169 last Nov. 8, Miura once again showcased her warrior spirit and was rewarded heftily for putting on another awe-inspiring performance.

The Japanese star welcomed fellow Judoka Macarena Aragon to the home of martial arts in a three-round atomweight MMA battle at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

Despite some early resistance from the Argentinian, the relentless Miura eventually imposed her will and scored another submission victory after locking her signature 'Ayaka Lock' (scarf hold/kesa-gatame) in the opening round.

Ayaka Miura couldn't hold back the tears after Mitch Chilson awarded her first $50,000 performance bonus courtesy of ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong.

The Tribe Tokyo MMA representative said in her ONE 169 in-ring interview:

"I did my fight as we expected, but some fights were canceled this year. So I’m so happy that I could win with the Ayaka lock today. I did a very good fight today."

She added:

"I want to thank my trainers, my boyfriend, and everyone in my gym for spending time with me. I will spend the bonus with you guys."

The full replay of ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug is available on demand for Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada.

Ayaka Miura is a darkhorse contender in the atomweight MMA division

While she failed to claim the belt against longtime women's strawweight MMA queen Xiong Jing Nan, Ayaka Miura has reinvented herself at 115 pounds.

'Zombie' is now on a three-fight winning streak, with her last two victories coming against Itsuki Hirata and Macarena Aragon at atomweight.

There are certainly plenty of intriguing match-ups that await Miura in the loaded division currently lorded over by atomweight MMA queen Stamp Fairtex. One thing's for sure, the Japanese submission grappling specialist is due for a top 5 opponent next.