Meng Bo is known for her crushing punching power. However, she is still evolving her all-around game to become a title threat in ONE Championship’s strawweight division. She will get a chance to show those improvements on Friday, November 3, against Ayaka Miura at ONE Fight Night 16.
“It’s true that my opponent is a judo master, but this is MMA. My wrestling coach has been helping me with this preparation and has ways to deal with my opponent,” Meng told ONE.
The Chinese star got her ONE tenure rolling with three straight wins. However, adversity would soon come in the way of back-to-back losses. Showing her ability to rebound, Meng has gotten back in the win column with two wins and is looking to make it a streak of three in Bangkok.
“Everyone is aware of my strength in striking, but my previous weakness was in grappling. Now, I am constantly improving my grappling and wrestling skills, and I also keep strengthening my striking,” Meng professed.
With the prospect of a three-bout winning streak, Meng feels that she is close to competing for the gold. The strawweight division is awaiting another challenger for Xiong Jing Nan, and ONE Fight Night 16 could provide the launching pad for the prospective contender. “The Panda” continues to reign over the division.
However, Meng is adamant she is not in a hurry. Although she covets a shot at her compatriot, Meng is not rushing what would be a golden opportunity. Still, she is clear and vocal about what she wants with a win.
“My goal is always the World Championship. If I win this fight, I want to have a title fight. And if I don’t get this chance, then I will ask for it again next time or until it’s given to me. I’m in no hurry. It’ll be mine sooner or later,” Meng said.
If the title tilt does come, Meng is happy that it will be an all-Chinese battle. The strawweight contender would be glad to become champion but also happy to keep the belt within the border. The pride to become champion is also the pride to show the strength of Chinese MMA on a global platform.
“I want to challenge Xiong Jing Nan not because she’s Xiong Jing Nan but because Xiong Jing Nan is the champion. So I think I’m just here to take over the gold belt because we are all Chinese. And of course, whoever wins, the title belongs to China,” Meng said.
ONE Fight Night 16 airs live on Friday, November 3. The action begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on Prime Video. The event is free for all Amazon Prime subscribers based in the U.S. and Canada.
