“Big respect for him” - Itsuki Hirata lauds Japanese legend Shinya Aoki’s incredible career

Itsuki Hirata is the most recent fighter to praise Shinya Aoki's incredible career. With over 50 professional bouts to his name, Aoki is undoubtedly a legend of the sport.

'Tobikan Judan' is slated to face fellow lightweight Saygid Izagakhmaev at ONE 163 in a battle of top-five contenders.

In the fight's lead-up, ONE women's atomweight Itsuki Hirata shared her immense respect for Aoki in an exclusive interview with the promotion. She said:

"I can’t imagine how hard [he has] worked in his whole career. I have just three to four years of a pro career. Shinya [has more than] 10 years. I cannot imagine what I will do after 10 years. Big respect for him."

Aoki is seeking another opportunity to regain his lightweight title, which he lost to current champion Christian Lee in 2019. Expect the 39-year-old to give everything he has to beat his upcoming opponent.

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Itsuki Hirata vs. Seo Hee Ham at ONE 163

'Android 18' has been impressive since joining ONE back in 2019, gaining five wins in her six appearances. Her lone defeat came via a split decision against Jihin Radzuan earlier this year.

Hirata knows she's quickly becoming a key figure in Japanese mixed martial arts. She told ONE:

“I feel like I am already a major part of the history of Japanese MMA. There’s no other fighter right now walking the same path as me. I feel like I am a unique and special kind of fighter. There’s a lot of people following my career, and that’s why I do my best day in and day out to be the fighter that people expect me to be. I just want to entertain the fans.”

Notably, the 23-year-old has expressed interest in competing in a submission grappling bout at some point. She'd likely fare quite well considering her first six MMA victories came by way of submission.

Next weekend, she will enter the circle for the third time this year hoping to overcome a tough opponent in South Korean fighter Seo Hee Ham.

Be sure to watch Japanese MMA icons Itsuki Hirata and Shinya Aoki compete at ONE 163 on November 19, live from the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

Check out Shinya Aoki's best finishes inside the ONE circle below: