Itsuki Hirata relishes chance to fight Ham Seo Hee and claim her spot in atomweight rankings

Japanese atomweight contender Itsuki Hirata is excited to return to the Circle and continue to climb up the rankings towards a shot at the world championship. Hirata is seen as one of the most exciting prospects in the division who is still yet to realize her full potential.

After producing five consecutive wins to kick-off her career, with four coming via a finish, Hirata entered the ONE Women’s Atomweight World Grand Prix with many considering her to be one of the favorites.

After pulling off a win in the quarterfinal stage, she was forced to pull out of the tournament due to illness and her progression wasn’t helped when she returned and was defeated by Jihin Radzuan, who took a split decision win in their matchup.

Momentum started to go back in the Judo specialist’s favor at ONE on Prime Video 1 where she scored a unanimous decision victory over Lin Heqin to set herself up for a big fight next time out.

After her initial fight with No.2-ranked contender Ham Seo Hee fell apart, the pair is now set to face off at ONE Fight Night 8 on Prime Video. In an interview with ONE Championship, Itsuki Hirata spoke about her upcoming contest:

“For this fight, I'm a challenger and I'm the one grabbing this big chance to [climb the] ladder up to the top. I will showcase [my skills].”

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Ham Seo Hee and Itsuki Hirata try again at ONE Fight Night 8 on March 24

ONE Fight Night 8 on Prime Video serves up a top match-up in the atomweight division between Itsuki Hirata and Ham Seo Hee. Originally scheduled for ONE 163 in November, this highly anticipated match-up was pulled from the card after Hirata missed weight and her hydration test.

Whilst Ham Seo Hee was offered a chance to take the fight at a catchweight in order to still compete, she refused due to Hirata missing weight in the past.

Considering her No.2 ranking in the division, it is understandable why the South Korean veteran would be unwilling to face Itsuki under new restrictions, but thankfully for the fans that were looking forward to this fight, we will get to see it on March 24.

The match-up is a classic story of an experienced contender looking to keep her place at the top of the division by facing a rising prospect who could earn the biggest win of her career.

Ham Seo Hee knows that she is just one win away from solidifying her place as the next in line for a shot at the world championship but if Itsuki Hirata is able to defeat her, she takes all of the momentum for herself.

ONE Fight Night 8 on Prime Video is live from the Singapore Indoor Stadium on March 24 and will air live and free on Prime Video for ONE fans in North America.