Fifth-ranked atomweight MMA contender Chihiro Sawada is ready to display her evolving mixed martial arts game and inch closer to a shot at the division’s coveted gold.
Sawada will make her highly anticipated return against Argentine sensation Macarena Aragon at ONE Fight Night 33: Rodrigues vs. Persson on Prime Video, which airs live in U.S. primetime on Friday, July 11, from the legendary Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
After suffering a decision loss to Chinese striker Meng Bo in her most recent outing this past January, the Japanese grappling ace is hungry to bounce back and prove herself. Standing in her path will be the Argentine powerhouse, who will bring her aggressive, forward-pressing style into the pivotal contest.
Aragon, a 23-year-old judo specialist, has shown impressive development during her ONE Championship tenure, most recently defeating Malaysia’s Jihin Radzuan by unanimous decision to establish herself as a legitimate contender.
But Sawada remains unfazed by her rival’s dangerous skill set:
“She’s fought twice in ONE, and watching her fights, she’s an aggressive type who comes forward. She has a judo base, seems physically strong, and has strong hips.”
The Tokyo-based fighter’s analytical approach reflects her meticulous preparation style. Having competed under ONE’s bright lights multiple times, Sawada understands the importance of studying every aspect of her opponent’s game to formulate the perfect strategy.
When it comes to dealing with Aragon’s physical advantages and forward-pressure tactics, Sawada knows she’ll need to dictate the tempo from the opening bell. In fact, the 27-year-old has identified some key areas where she must assert her dominance.
The Japanese grappling ace said:
“[She has] hip strength and overall strength, so I think my first takedown attempt might get stuffed. Also, her punches might not be so much about technique but heavy, so I want to be careful not to get hit by those. I need to take the initiative and not let her set the pace. I can’t let her control the pace.”
With her sights set firmly on climbing back into World Title contention, Sawada has made no secret of her plans come July 11 in Bangkok’s most prestigious fighting venue.
The submission specialist is confident that despite her opponent’s strengths, her enhanced skill set will translate into something special on that night – a highlight-reel moment, to be precise.
She said:
“I’m aiming for a submission victory.”
Sawada Could Launch World Title Run With Victory Over Aragon
While Chihiro Sawada is completely focused on her upcoming clash with Macarena Aragon, she hasn’t forgotten about her World Championship aspirations.
The Japanese star has been putting in serious work that has already begun paying dividends. It’s a strategic investment in Sawada’s long-term goals. After all, the atomweight contender believes that she belongs among the division’s elite.
Sawada’s confidence is palpable as she discusses her post-fight ambitions, particularly her desire to face reigning ONE Women’s Atomweight MMA World Champion Denice Zamboanga:
“I want to fight top-ranked opponents, but there’s an aspect of ‘speak up and you might get it,’ so I think if I win this fight, I could say I want to fight Zamboanga.”
