Itsuki Hirata admits it was tough to deal with criticism after failing weight in her last fight

'Android 18' Itsuki Hirata was looking to continue her rise through the atomweight rankings against the dangerous 'Hamzzang' Ham Seo Hee. However, a weight miss threw her plans into disarray.

Before Ham and Hirata could meet in the circle at ONE 163, the Japanese fighter struggled on the scales. Thus, their booking was canceled. Fans pelted 'Android 18' with criticism for missing weight.

In an interview with ONE Championship, Hirata explained struggling with the criticism:

"It’s always tough [to be criticized]. I wanted to take a break for about a month, and I wanted to start the new year with a fresh mindset."

After some time away to clear her mind, the highly anticipated bout was rebooked. Itsuki Hirata and Ham Seo Hee are scheduled to meet on March 24 at ONE Fight Night 8 on Prime Video at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. All ONE Fight Night events are broadcast live and for free in North America via Prime Video.

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Itsuki Hirata determined to make weight against Ham Seo Hee

For her upcoming match at ONE Fight Night 8, Hirata is nervous about making weight but is determined to accomplish this. In the same interview with ONE, 'Android 18' added:

"I am full of anxiety [about returning and making the weight], but I believe in myself and see it through.”

South Korea's Ham Seo Hee is a highly decorated MMA fighter who levied the heaviest criticism at Itsuki Hirata following her previous weight miss. After their bout was called off, 'Hamzzang' said:

“First of all, she’s not a fighter in my opinion because the basic thing that you should do as a professional fighter is to make weight and hydration. I want to finish my unfinished business with her. There were fans with different opinions about my decision to not accept the catchweight in our last fight, so I want to finish this fight with her.”

The two will get their wish and will be able to finish their match later this month. It is a highly anticipated showdown in the stacked and competitive women's atomweight division.