In a stunning display of technical grappling, Ayaka Miura secured a first-round victory over Ritu Phogat at ONE 171: Qatar, held at the Lusail Sports Arena on February 20, 2025. The Japanese judoka added another impressive submission to her growing collection, earning herself a $50,000 performance bonus in the process.
The atomweight bout featured two of the division’s elite ground specialists, with the #5-ranked Miura showcasing why she’s become one of the most feared submission artists in the division. Known for her signature “Ayaka Lock,” Miura demonstrated her versatility by executing a different finishing move this time.
The match’s decisive moment came when Miura initiated a takedown attempt. Although Phogat initially reversed the position, Miura’s quick thinking led to an ankle pick, which she smoothly transitioned into a knee bar, forcing the Indian athlete to submit.
For Phogat, a former Commonwealth Wrestling Gold Medalist and Grand Prix finalist, this marked her return to competition after a two-year hiatus during which she embraced motherhood. Despite her preparation and determination to make a successful comeback, she found herself caught in Miura’s technical brilliance.
The victory extends Miura’s impressive winning streak and strengthens her position as a serious contender in the atomweight division. With nine submission victories now under her belt, the Japanese competitor continues to prove why she’s one of the most dangerous grapplers in ONE Championship.
This result may have significant implications for both athletes’ trajectories in the division, with Miura potentially moving closer to title contention while Phogat will need to reassess her path forward after this setback.
