Chihiro Sawada has risen as a formidable contender in the competitive women’s atomweight MMA division of ONE Championship. This reputation stemmed from a pivotal meeting with renowned Japanese MMA pioneer, Megumi “Mega Megu” Fujii.
The 28-year-old fighter is set to compete again at ONE Fight Night 39: Rambolek vs. Dayakaev on Prime Video against the unbeaten American, Natalie Salcedo, on Friday, January 23, airing live in U.S. primetime from Bangkok’s iconic Lumpinee Stadium.
Reflecting on her journey, Sawada acknowledged how her early training with Fujii contributed to her professional MMA career, ultimately guiding her to compete in the largest martial arts organization globally:
“When I was about 10 years old, she introduced me to BJJ and wrestling. At that time, she was a celebrated female athlete in Japan, and I was inspired by her, thinking that one day I could achieve similar success.
“I wasn’t particularly skilled in wrestling, which is why I decided to concentrate on it in my youth.”
Fujii was already a notable figure in women’s MMA, recognized for her aggressive wrestling and submission techniques. She headlined events for various promotions, including Bellator and Jewels, before retiring in 2013 with an impressive record of 26 wins in 29 bouts, 19 of those being submissions.
These accomplishments greatly influenced Sawada, who would later carve out a similar path in MMA. Today, her grappling is her key strength, often leaving opponents struggling under her overwhelming control once the fight goes to the ground.
Fujii’s Legacy Drives Sawada’s Ambitions
Sawada’s aspirations continue to be shaped by Fujii’s legacy, even as MMA has transformed into a global sport. As a representative of Team Akatsuki and IDEA Asakusa, Sawada realizes that success now requires overcoming an incredibly talented talent pool in women’s MMA.
Her upcoming match against Natalie Salcedo at ONE Fight Night 39 could be a critical stepping stone towards entering the World Title conversation.
“It’s quite challenging to compare myself to Megumi Fujii. To me, she was an idol, an accomplished MMA athlete during my childhood. I can’t yet measure up to her level, as conditions have changed significantly,” Sawada explained. “Fujii Megumi is an icon for Japanese MMA, not just for women. I’m grateful for the skills I learned from her, as she remains an integral part of Japanese MMA history.”
