Chihiro Sawada Dismisses Natalie Salcedo’s Unbeaten Record, Eyes ONE Championship Gold

Chihiro Sawada enters Friday’s clash with undefeated American Natalie Salcedo carrying a simple assessment — the perfect record means nothing when skills don’t match experience. The 28-year-old Japanese grappler believes her time inside ONE Championship’s elite atomweight division has prepared her for this moment and everything that comes after.

Victory at ONE Fight Night 39 on January 23 positions Sawada directly into ONE World Title contention, but first she must handle an opponent who’s never tasted defeat. The former Shooto Champion understands the challenge while dismissing the hype surrounding unblemished records.

“I know she’s an undefeated fighter, though I think my skills are better than hers,” Sawada said. “But I don’t think so much of these things — that she is undefeated — I’m just confident in my skills.”

The confidence stems from proven performances against elite competition. After announcing her arrival with an Americana shoulder lock submission of Sanaz Fayazmanesh in 2023, Sawada collected unanimous decision victories over Jihin Radzuan and Noelle Grandjean, extending her winning streak to eight straight as 2024 closed.

Then came reality. Chinese fighter Meng Bo handed Sawada her first professional defeat in early 2025, creating the crossroads moment that defines careers. Some fighters crumble after tasting their first loss. Sawada responded with immediate dominance.

A slick first-round armbar against Macarena Aragon at ONE Fight Night 33 last July announced her return. The performance against Itsuki Hirata at ONE 173 last November provided validation — three rounds of sustained control earning a unanimous decision and pushing her record to 10-1 overall while demonstrating growth beyond simple resilience.

The journey to ONE Championship began with purpose rather than circumstance. Sawada didn’t arrive seeking safe matchmaking or gradual advancement. She came specifically because the atomweight division housed the world’s best fighters.

“The reason I joined ONE Championship is because I believe ONE Championship’s women’s atomweight division is the best in the world,” Sawada said. “And I’m confident with my skills, so I joined ONE Championship.”

Elite wrestling pedigree and slick submission skills provide the foundation. Ambition drives the trajectory. Sawada has identified her ultimate targets — reigning champion Denice Zamboanga and former queen Stamp Fairtex — while remaining open to anyone the promotion places in her path.

“I would like to fight Stamp Fairtex and Denice Zamboanga,” Sawada said. “That’s why I joined ONE Championship’s atomweight division. I’m overwhelmed by all the talented fighters, but I’m confident with my skills.”

The shifting divisional landscape creates opportunity. Zamboanga’s health-related absence has paused championship activity. Stamp continues rebuilding after recent setbacks. Former strawweight title challenger Ayaka Miura has quietly dominated since dropping to atomweight, winning all four bouts including three first-round submissions.

Sawada welcomes that potential all-Japan showdown, viewing Miura as a necessary step rather than an obstacle blocking championship access.

“I am confident I can overwhelm Ayaka Miura, surely, as an MMA fighter,” Sawada said. “For me, I am open to fighting against Ayaka Miura for a shot at the title.”

Friday determines whether championship conversations remain hypothetical or begin materializing into reality.

“If possible, I want a title shot as soon as possible, but this isn’t my decision,” Sawada said. “That’s why I have to focus on my next fight. Once I finish or win against Natalie Salcedo, of course I want to get the title shot.”