Ayaka “Zombie” Miura will be swapping 4oz MMA gloves for a rashguard when she meets Danielle Kelly in a submission grappling battle at ONE Fight Night 7: Lineker vs. Andrade II on Prime Video next Friday, February 24. 

The former ONE Strawweight MMA World Title contender meets the American grappling star in a 119-pound catchweight contest at the star-studded event, and she is more than ready to engage in a cat-and-mouse battle against one of the most dangerous ground game practitioners around.

Ayaka Miura lauded the superb skills of her opponent Danielle Kelly

In an interview with ONE Championship this week, the Japanese judo sensation had this to say about her rival, who she’ll meet in Bangkok, Thailand. “Danielle Kelly is a great fighter and is an all-rounder in this submission grappling match. Still, at the same time, Danielle Kelly doesn’t have any special techniques.”

“Because all her skill is at a high level, that means she doesn’t have a specialty. I think my physical strength and the judo skills I use in MMA are better than Danielle’s, and I can show it in this grappling match.”

Despite recognizing a couple of areas where she may excel against the Silver Fox BJJ upstart, “Zombie” knows that Kelly’s work rate and abilities on the canvas are worthy of respect.

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As such, she and her coaches at Tribe Tokyo MMA, which includes former two-division DEEP World Champion Ryo Chonan, have been keeping their toes on the front to counter what may come their way inside the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium next week.

Ayaka Miura intended to have a cautious start and then transit to the Ayaka lock

Kelly packs pace, precision, and world-class skills within her arsenal – from guard-passing to back-takes and an array of submissions ranging from leg lock finishes to upper-body submissions.

The Japanese star, who holds a scarf-hold Americana dubbed the “Ayaka Lock” as her secret weapon – would love to run her rival down, but she feels she will play a rather safe game to avoid unwanted complications on the mat.

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That said, her biggest focus is putting on a show for the fans when she takes on the fiery American inside the Circle, so those watching are sure to see her go into deep waters. “Zombie” said, “Knowing Danielle Kelly is an all-rounder, I must be careful about everything. So, I am training. I am training for the defense a lot in this fight camp.”

“I just want everyone to enjoy this fight. That’s it.”