Itsuki Hirata motivated to perform at atomweight but also contemplating moving up

'Android 18' Itsuki Hirata is looking to leave a mark in the competitive and deep atomweight division as she faces off against 'Hamzzang' Ham Seo Hee later this week.

However, the Japanese judoka has struggled to make weight consistently at atomweight and is considering moving up to the women's strawweight division. On the potential move, she told ONE Championship:

"I have the feeling that I want to move up a weight class. But in terms of matchmaking, I realize that [atomweight] is the only weight class I could fight in. I really feel the expectation from ONE Championship’s atomweight division, and I want to answer that expectation."

Strawweight would represent a new challenge for Hirata. The division is ruled by the iron fist of Xiong Jing Nan, who holds the ONE women's strawweight world title.

Before she can look at the strawweight weight class, Hirata is booked in an atomweight showdown against South Korea's Ham Seo Hee. They will face off on March 24 at ONE Fight Night 8 on Prime Video.

ONE Fight Night events are broadcast live and for free in North America via Prime Video.

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Itsuki Hirata looking to defeat Ham Seo Hee next

Knowing that she struggled on the scale ahead of her originally planned atomweight bout against 'Hamzzang', Hirata would like to come into their fight at ONE Fight Night 8 with a fresh mindset.

In an interview with ONE Championship, Itsuki Hirata said:

“It’s always tough [to be criticized]. I wanted to take a break for about a month, and I wanted to start the new year with a fresh mindset. I am full of anxiety [about returning and making the weight], but I believe in myself and see it through.”

Itsuki Hirata added that no matter where the fight goes, she will never give up:

“Her weakness is probably her age. I think I have to win with my stamina due to my youth. I will fight for five minutes and three rounds, and I’ll keep attacking until the very end no matter what the situation is.”