Itsuki Hirata prefers fighting at atomweight as opposed to moving up

‘Android 18’ Itsuki Hirata recently addressed the elephant in the room about her fighting at atomweight as opposed to a heavier weight class.

The Japanese standout has a history of missing weight before her matches. With another fight approaching this Friday (March 24), the hope is that she rises to the occasion without any difficulties out of respect to her opponent Ham Seo Hee.

When Hirata was recently asked by ONE Championship if she would ever consider moving up a weight class from 115 lbs, here’s what she said:

“I personally believe that it's best to fight in the weight class where I can generate the most power and focus on building my body.”

Fortunately for Hirata, she passed her weigh-ins this week, weighing in at 114 and a quarter pounds on Thursday (March 23). Previously, ‘Android 18’ promised she would stay on top of things thanks to a new nutritionist who joined her team. Not only has Hirata made changes to her diet, she has also made a few changes to her training camp.

Ever since losing her first MMA match to Jihin Radzuan back in March, she’s been concentrating on leveling up her game under a new team of coaches and training partners. Joining forces with American coaches like Matt Serra and Nestor Marte, Hirata is not the same type of fighter she once was.

She picked up a decision-win against Lin Hequin at ONE on Prime Video 1, to get a chance to fight an elite fighter in the upper echelon of the rankings.

Watch Itsuki Hirata vs. Ham Seo Hee on Friday, March 24 live and for free via Amazon Prime Video.

---

Itsuki Hirata wants to prove herself against Ham Seo Hee

Itsuki Hirata knows that her opponent Ham Seo Hee doesn’t respect her yet, but that will change when they cross paths on Friday.

The atomweight matchup between the rivals was originally scheduled to take place at ONE 163: Akimoto vs. Petchtanong back in November. But due to Hirata missing weight and hydration, Ham refused to fight her at catchweight. The South Korean slugger went on to criticize her Japanese rival on social media, calling her an unprofessional fighter for missing weight.

Well, Hirata plans to prove her wrong by passing the scales and delivering a brilliant performance in Singapore.

She told ONE:

“Regardless of what my opponent says about me, I can’t be satisfied until I fight her. I’m fighting for myself.”