Itsuki Hirata reveals she has relocated from Japan to New York

Japanese judoka Itsuki Hirata is looking to upgrade her MMA game ahead of her showdown against 'Hamzzang' Ham Seo Hee. For this, she's moved to New York, U.S.A.

In an interview with ONE Championship, she explained her attitude towards the move. Hirata said:

"I’m living in New York and renting a house here, so for now, it’s New York [that is home]. I think New York is the best place for me to train because it offers opportunities in strength and conditioning, movements that are applicable to MMA, and the level of MMA and cage wrestling."

In New York, 'Android 18' is training at the Serra-Longo Fight Team. She will be drilling skills alongside notable fighters such as Chris Weidman, Aljamain Sterling, and Matt Serra, among others.

Itsuki Hirata will need to up her game for her next bout against the dangerous atomweight contender Ham Seo Hee. The two are booked for a highly anticipated showdown on March 24 at ONE Fight Night 8 on Prime Video.

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

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Itsuki Hirata on the training switch up

'Android 18' Itsuki Hirata has spent most of her life training in Japan. After a loss to Jihin Radzuan, the judoka switched up her training camp to New York City. Since then, she has earned a win over Lin Heqin.

On changing training camps to New York, Hirata spoke to ONE Championship in an interview and said:

"Winning the fight is amazing. Fantastic. Every time, after I win, it is my [best victory]. So this is number one. I wanted to showcase my striking because I trained a lot in the States. I spent a lot of time in New York City ... and I trained hard, especially in striking. This is just the starting line. But I’m sure I can be stronger. That’s what I feel right now.”

Now, having moved to the U.S.A and began training there full time, 'Android 18' is looking forward to showing off her evolving MMA game when she meets Ham Seo Hee later this month at ONE Fight Night 8.