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Itsuki Hirata is using multiple resources to better herself in every facet of mixed martial arts.
‘Android 18’ is expected to make her return to the Circle this Friday night at ONE Fight Night 8 on Prime Video. It will be a big night for the fast-rising Japanese standout as she faces her toughest test to date. Hirata will square off with No. 2 ranked atomweight contender Ham Seo Hee in what could very well be a ONE world title eliminator for both women.
Before stepping in front of a raucous crowd at Singapore Indoor Stadium, Itsuki Hirata shared some details of her training since relocating to New York last year:
“Right now, I'm training at four different gyms: 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu, United MMA for striking, Brooklyn MMA for MMA, and Serra-Longo for MMA, and strength and conditioning in New Jersey.”
Clearly, ‘Android 18’ seems to be taking her matchup with ‘Hamzzang’ very seriously. This is a very smart approach on Hirata’s part considering the significant experience advantage that Ham Seo Hee holds over her. Hirata will enter the bout with a record of 6-1 overall, while Ham holds 25 career wins, including back-to-back victories inside the Circle.
One advantage Hirata will undeniably have is youth. ‘Android 18’ goes into Friday’s contest 13 years younger than her opponent.
Ham Seo Hee will be a tough test for Itsuki Hirata
It’s been nearly a year since Ham Seo Hee stepped inside the Circle. That will change this Friday night as the South Korean shoots for her third straight win in ONE Championship, a victory she hopes will put her in pole position for a shot at ONE atomweight queen Angela Lee. Standing in her way will be the always-tough Itsuki Hirata, but Ham could prove to be too much for ‘Android 18’ to overcome.
Ham has won two in a row under the ONE banner, but that is far from the full story. ‘Hamzzang’ is currently riding an eight-fight win streak dating back to 2017 with half of those fights coming by way of finish. This gives Ham a significant amount of momentum heading into Friday’s atomweight showcase.
Perhaps even more impressive is the fact that Hirata has not been finished in more than a decade, making her not only one of the toughest women in mixed martial arts.
Amazon Prime Video subscribers in North America can watch all the action this Friday night live and for free in U.S. primetime.
