"I am more often the object of admiration" - Itsuki Hirata feels she’s more of a role model than a fan of other fighters

'Android 18' Itsuki Hirata will be battling MMA veteran 'Hamzzang' Ham Seo Hee at ONE 163 on November 19. Despite a promising start to her MMA career, it was not the 23-year-old Hirata's first discipline in martial arts.

Originally, the Japanese-born athlete was aiming to become a judoka and compete at the Olympics, representing her home country. Unfortunately, due to an injury, she had to put those dreams on hold. However, this did give her the opportunity to enter MMA.

In an interview with MMA Sucka, Hirata was asked who her MMA idols were. She explained that she did not have any, adding that she's often the answer to that question for others.

"To be honest, I don’t have. But I am more often the object of admiration."

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Itsuki Hirata on the women's atomweight division

Japan's 'Android 18' Itsuki Hirata did not grow up watching mixed martial arts. Instead, she was in the dojo sharpening her craft. Since transitioning to MMA, the Japanese fighter has amassed a 6-1 professional record.

At ONE 163, Hirata will face the biggest test of her career to date as she collides with South Korea's 'Hamzzang'. Ham is a veteran of MMA who has held atomweight world titles in RIZIN, Jewels, and others.

The Japanese athlete explained that she wanted this fight because of the major challenge it represented. In an interview with ONE, she explained:

“Of course, I know she is the toughest opponent [I’ve faced so far]. I wanted to fight her now while she is regarded as the strongest."

Hirata will move closer to challenging the best of the best in the division with a win at ONE 163. She is already looking at potential fighters who she could overcome to truly become worthy of a world title shot against the 'Unstoppable' women's atomweight queen, Angela Lee.

Speaking to ONE, Itsuki Hirata said:

“I think nothing will change at all [if I win]. It’s just a win. She is not a champion. I need to reach the world championship. [I could fight] Stamp Fairtex, Denice Zamboanga, or Jihin Radzuan [next] – I need to fight a lot of prospects. It’s not easy to [get a] fight with Angela Lee.