3 of Itsuki Hirata's best weapons against Ham Seo Hee

ONE rising star Itsuki Hirata is getting ready for the fight of her life. ‘Android 18’ will enter the lion’s den on ONE Fight Night 8: Superlek vs. Williams on Prime Video against Ham Seo Hee.

The pivotal women’s atomweight bout will emanate from the Singapore Indoor Stadium this Friday, March 24.

After winning five of her first six matches inside the circle, Itsuki was due for a big-name opponent. She initially drew the second-ranked Ham at ONE 163 last November. However, the 23-year-old failed her weight and hydration tests, prompting Ham to refuse a catchweight bout.

As expected, Itsuki was the subject of criticism in the months leading up to their rebooked fight. While the Japanese star is considered the underdog against the veteran South Korean fighter, it would be foolish to count her out.

Here are the three biggest weapons Itsuka Hirata can use against Ham Seo Hee at ONE Fight Night 8. ONE Fight Night 8: Superlek vs. Williams on Prime Video will air live in US primetime and is free for all existing Amazon Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada.

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#3. Itsuki Hirata’s youth

On paper, Hirata’s seven career MMA fights certainly pale in comparison to Ham, who will be competing in her 34th career bout this Friday.

While younger fighters are usually labeled as “inexperienced,” it does have its perks.

For one, Itsuki Hirata's sprightly energy has been evident in all her fights inside the Circle. The Serra-Longo Fight Team standout brings forth non-stop action and imposes her relentless offense from the opening bell up to the final horn.

Ham, who just turned 36, is no slouch either when it comes to conditioning. Still, Itsuki will have the power of youth by her side, especially if this bout goes the distance.

That extra burst of vitality could come in handy and could very well turn the tides in her favor.

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#2. Itsuki Hirata is ultra-tough

‘Android 18’s good looks and alluring charm have garnered her a massive following over the years. But don’t be deceived by her stunning beauty. Itsuki is as tough as they come and can dish and receive copious amounts of punishment.

After blitzing through her first four opponents, the Japanese sensation was tested by Alyse Anderson at ONE: Empower in 2021. The American dropped Itsuki with a laser right hand and came extremely close to finishing the fight. Itsuki Hirata, though, showed the heart of a true warrior and came roaring back to secure the unanimous decision nod.

Rewatch Itsuki Hirata vs Alyse Anderson, here:

In her last fight, the 23-year-old also absorbed Lin Heqin’s best shots before showing her improvements in the striking department by knocking her down in the third round.

Ham, meanwhile, is considered one of the best strikers in the division, possessing a well-rounded arsenal on the feet. However, as we’ve seen time and time again, Itsuki’s toughness is on a whole different level and she’ll be ready for whatever ‘Hamzzang’ throws her way.

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#1. Itsuki is a world-class grappler

When all else fails, Itsuki Hirata can always rely on her sensational grappling acumen to get her out of a pinch. The Tokyo, Japan native has successfully integrated her powerful judo background into MMA, which she used to submit Angelie Sabanal and Rika Ishige.

After shaking her opponents’ base and taking them to the ground, Itsuki drowns them with heavy top pressure. She has all the submissions in the world from there, from keylocks and armbars, just to name a few.

While Ham can also hold her own in the grappling arts, even a veteran like her could be in a precarious position once Itsuki asserts her ground game. If Itsuki can make this a grappling war, then we might just have an upset on our hands at ONE Fight Night 8.