“She’s more popular in entertainment” - Ham Seo Hee takes slight dig at Itsuki Hirata, vows to win at ONE 163

South Korea's Ham Seo Hee is a veteran of over 30 MMA fights at the highest level. At ONE 163 on November 19, she will take on the less experienced 23-year-old Itsuki Hirata in the ONE circle.

The 35-year-old has held world titles in Jewels, Road FC, and Rizin, but recognizes that her opponent is likely more popular than her. During the ONE 163 press conference, Ham Seo Hee discussed her Japanese-born opponent, saying:

"She has an energy and outgoing personality. But I feel like she’s more popular in entertainment. I don’t know what to say about her as a fighter. My career is longer than hers, but I won’t slow down."

'Hamzzang' also acknowledged the danger that her opponent presents, with 'Andriod 18' being young and full of ambition:

"I’m facing a younger fighter, so I need to gear up more than usual. I’m preparing carefully for this fight. And I will win this fight."

The two fighters are set to collide in the competitive and deep women's atomweight division in ONE Championship. Ham Seo Hee is on an eight-fight win streak in MMA and could be next in line for a world title shot against atomweight queen Angela Lee.

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Stamp Fairtex interested in Ham Seo Hee fight

ONE Championship superstar Stamp Fairtex recognizes that if she wants another title shot against 'Unstoppable' Lee, she first needs to defeat Ham Seo Hee.

The Thai fighter explained in an interview with ONE:

“Ham is the No.2-ranked contender, while I am No.1. Of course, I have to beat her to keep my ticket for the world title shot. If I beat her, I might get a shot with Angela again.”

Stamp's next fight will be against dangerous kickboxing veteran Anissa Meksen. The two strikers have a special-rules superfight booked for ONE on Prime Video 6 on January 13, 2023.

Even atomweight queen Angela Lee has picked Ham as the top contender after her previous win. Lee said following ONE X:

"I'm glad that she's able to get the win over Denice [Zamboanga]. She fought hard and yeah, I think she's deserving of the next title shot.”

If 'Hamzzang' wants to keep her rank and fight for a world title, she must defeat 'Android 18' at ONE 163. Hirata is coming off an impressive win over China's Lin Heqin earlier this year.