'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Itsuki Hirata is looking to build momentum after her fight at ONE 163.
‘Android 18’ was one of the favorites to win against Ritu Phogat at the ONE women's atomweight World Grand Prix before pulling out due to an illness. Hirata returned in March, where she lost her undefeated record by a split decision to Jihin Radzuan. The 23-year-old bounced back five months later with a win against Lin Heqin in May, advancing her record to 6-1.
Hirata is now being thrown back into the world title picture with a matchup against No.2-ranked Ham Seo Hee. During an interview with MMA Sucka, ‘Android 18’ had this to say about silencing the doubters:
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“No matter how weak they say I am, I promise to resist and show them how strong I am. And prove I am the best.”
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The Judo specialist has a formidable opponent for ONE 163. ‘Hamzzang’ has 33 professional MMA fights spread across several major MMA promotions. The 35-year-old is currently 2-0 with ONE after two consecutive wins against Denice Zamboanga. Hirata will need an impressive performance to take out the MMA veteran who hasn’t lost in eight fights.
Watch Itsuki Hirata in a recent training video below:
Itsuki Hirata shows respect for Shinya Aoki’s legendary career
Itsuki Hirata is a Japanese-born fighter who takes tremendous pride in her country. ONE Championship is currently filled with Japanese MMA legends, including Yushin Okami, Yoshihiro Akiyama, and Shinya Aoki. Hirata will join Okami and Aoki on the ONE 163 fight card featuring a handful of Japanese fighters. During an interview with ONE Championship, ‘Android 18’ showed respect for ‘Tobikan Judan’ by saying:
“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.”
Hirata is looking to become the next Japanese MMA legend. The 23-year-old has established herself as a future world title contender at a young age and could be ready to make a statement at ONE 163. Her next fight against a veteran like Ham Seo Hee will be a tough test for ‘Android 18’ to prove she’s ready to fight the best atomweights on the planet.
