Japanese Star Chihiro Sawada Eyes ONE World Title Shot After Decisive Victory

Sawada dominates previously undefeated American Natalie Salcedo, calls for interim title fight with compatriot Ayaka Miura

Jan. 27, 2026 at 4:55pm

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Chihiro Sawada delivered a career-best performance at ONE Fight Night 39, defeating previously undefeated American Natalie Salcedo via unanimous decision. The 28-year-old Japanese wrestling expert controlled the fight with relentless striking and superior grappling, elevating her career record to 11-1 and moving closer to a shot at the ONE Women's Atomweight MMA World Title currently held by Denice 'The Menace' Zamboanga. Sawada now has her sights set on an interim title fight against fellow Japanese star Ayaka 'Zombie' Miura, hoping to compete for the belt at ONE 175 in Tokyo.

Why it matters

Sawada's victory over the previously undefeated Salcedo solidifies her position as one of the top atomweight fighters in ONE Championship. With champion Denice Zamboanga sidelined due to medical issues, an interim title fight between Sawada and Miura would capture the attention of Japanese MMA fans and determine the next challenger for the undisputed atomweight crown.

The details

Sawada immediately set the tone against Salcedo, dominating the opening round with sharp left punches that backed the American into the corner. The Japanese fighter continued her surprising stand-up assault in the second and third rounds, relying on her improved striking rather than her wrestling expertise to neutralize Salcedo's ground game. Sawada's calculated decision to keep the fight standing paid off, as she cruised to a unanimous decision victory.

  • The fight took place at ONE Fight Night 39 on Friday, January 23, 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand.
  • Sawada is hoping to compete for the interim ONE Women's Atomweight MMA World Title at ONE 175 on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 in Tokyo, Japan.

The players

Chihiro Sawada

A 28-year-old Japanese mixed martial artist who trains in wrestling. She is a former Shooto champion and has an 11-1 professional record.

Natalie Salcedo

A 33-year-old American mixed martial artist from Colorado Springs with a background in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai. She suffered her first professional loss against Sawada.

Denice 'The Menace' Zamboanga

The current ONE Women's Atomweight MMA World Champion, who withdrew from a scheduled title defense due to medical reasons.

Ayaka 'Zombie' Miura

A Japanese mixed martial artist who Sawada hopes to face for the interim ONE Women's Atomweight MMA World Title.

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What they’re saying

“In this fight, I believe I showed a performance that reflects my level of striking, which used to be my weakness.”

— Chihiro Sawada

“Since my background is in wrestling, I'm very good there. Normally, I would go for the takedown and the scramble, but if I took Natalie down, that would play into the area where she's very strong on the ground. So, this time, I didn't want to do that. I wanted to control the whole game myself, and make her come to me in my striking game.”

— Chihiro Sawada

“I don't have any special emotional feelings about breaking the winning streak because I've also had a winning streak before. I believe that as a fighter, you just do what you're supposed to do. If you win, that's good, and I want to use this victory as motivation to keep improving myself.”

— Chihiro Sawada

“Yes, I believe that right now I'm in a position for the title shot. First, I feel sympathy and hope Denice [Zamboanga] recovers as fast as possible. As for an [interim] title shot, of course I want to do it against Ayaka Miura.”

— Chihiro Sawada

What’s next

Sawada is hoping to compete for the interim ONE Women's Atomweight MMA World Title against Ayaka Miura at ONE 175 on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 in Tokyo, Japan.

The takeaway

Chihiro Sawada's dominant performance over the previously undefeated Natalie Salcedo has positioned her as the top contender for the ONE Women's Atomweight MMA World Title. With champion Denice Zamboanga sidelined, an interim title fight between Sawada and fellow Japanese star Ayaka Miura would be a highly anticipated matchup that could determine the next challenger for the undisputed crown.