WATCH: Itsuki Hirata waits for the right moment to pounce on Rika Ishige for the submission

Fast-rising Japanese standout Itsuki Hirata will be back in action later this month as she attempts to secure a ONE atomweight world title opportunity.

Standing in the way of ‘Android 18’ will be dangerous Korean striker Ham Seo Hee. The pair will square off as part of the promotion’s ONE Fight Night 8 on Prime Video event on March 24. Ahead of the high-stakes atomweight clash, ONE Championship is looking back at one of Hirata’s most impressive wins inside the circle against Rika Ishige.

“Itsuki Hirata's got her target on LOCK 😱 The Japanese star collides with South Korean veteran Ham Seo Hee on March 24 at ONE Fight Night 8 on Prime Video! 👊“

After scoring four straight victories inside the circle, Itsuki Hirata appeared to be primed for a ONE world title opportunity, but a close split decision loss against Jihin Radzuan at ONE X made ‘Android 18’ realize that she needed to put in some work to hone her striking skills.

Teaming up with the Serra-Longo Flight Team in New York, Hirata developed her striking game and bounced back with a big win over Lin Heqin at ONE on Prime Video 1 in August. If she can snatch a win over No. 2 ranked Ham Seo Hee on March 24, it will almost certainly put her in line for a shot at ONE Championship gold.

All ONE Fight Night events are live and free for North American fans with Prime Video.

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Itsuki Hirata credits her time training in the U.S. with her win over Lin Heqin

Known for her spectacular submissions, Itsuki Hirata finally hit the next level of competition to where she could no longer ignore the need to develop her striking skills. With limited resources in Japan, ‘Android 18’ ventured to the United States to train with a variety of teammates and sparring partners:

“I train with a lot of tough fighters in the USA and just do my best,” Hirata told the media following her win over Lin Heqin.”When I train in Japan, I limit myself. But I saw the many limitless fighters here, I drive myself and be limitless too. Looking back on my last fight, I think I was able to beat her by training hard in the United States.”

Considering her well-rounded performance against Heqin, the effort certainly paid off, but Ham Seo Hee is a completely different type of monster. A veteran with 25 career wins, ‘Hamzzang’ is undefeated in the circle and is coming off back-to-back victories against Denice ‘The Menace’ Zamboanga.