“I was able to make the choice to attack without fear of losing” - Itsuki Hirata putting a concerted effort into her striking

'Android 18' Itsuki Hirata is coming off a win against 'MMA Sister' Lin Heqin and is celebrating her performance from that match. Ahead of her ONE 163 fight, she is looking back and reflecting on how she fought previously.

The Japanese-born fighter is a Judo-based athlete who has been improving her standup game in MMA. While facing China's Lin Heqin, she chose to spend some time on her feet against this fighter. While speaking to Tim Wheaton of MMA Sucka, Hirata explained:

"I’ve trained striking for that match because I knew Lin is good striker. Instead of attacking the ground game, I chose to attack standing at the final round. I think that right was decision. I managed to switch my game plan during the fight, which I really believe I improved controlling myself. I was able to make the choice to attack without fear of losing until the last 30 seconds."

For her November 19 match at ONE 163 against the top-ranked 'Hamzzang' Ham Seo Hee, 'Android 18' explained the game plan::

"[Ham Seo Hee] is a striker so I will be much more focused on wrestling training. That’s the key point."

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Itsuki Hirata discusses Angela Lee and Stamp Fairtex

If Itsuki Hirata defeats South Korea's 'Hamzzang' at ONE 163, this victory will propel her to the top of the competitive atomweight division. She will be ranked next to Stamp Fairtex and potentially next in line to fight the atomweight queen Angela Lee.

In the same interview with Timothy Wheaton, 'Android 18' spoke about fighting Stamp Fairtex:

"She has a devastating striking skill, and I would like to use my grappling skills."

On facing 'Unstoppable' Lee for the ONE women's atomweight world championship, Itsuki Hirata said:

"I can’t imagine how the 5 min 5 rounds fight will be. It’s almost a total of 30 mins fight. I need much more hard training, for 5 round game for sure. I think Angela has good grappling skills so I would like to use my striking skills then."

Before Japan's Itsuki Hirata can face Stamp and Lee, she will first need to overcome the decorated MMA veteran Ham Seo Hee. 'Android 18' is booked for a showdown against 'Hamzzang' at ONE 163 on November 19.