Itsuki Hirata is back training in Japan, but she still has a lot of love for her time in the United States. ‘Android 18’ is set to return to action in an atomweight MMA match against Victoria ‘Vick’ Souza at ONE 167: Tawanchai vs. Nattawut II this Friday, June 7, inside the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.

After four straight wins in the world’s largest martial arts organization, Hirata proved to be a contender to watch in the women’s atomweight MMA ranks. Unfortunately, she has struggled to find consistency since then, winning only once in her last four bouts.

Itsuki Hirata looks fondly back on her time in America

She sought to hone her skills in America, but after losing back-to-back matches against former World Title challengers, she went back to Japan for another fresh start. However, she is not closing her doors to a return to the West, as she looks fondly back on her time there.

“The environment in America was good and fulfilling. But I realized there were still things I could do in Japan. I think that once I get to the point in Japan where I feel something is missing, I could just go back to America,” she told ONE in an interview.

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Speaking about her experiences in America, the Japanese star was amazed at the unique sets of experiences and environments she used to live and train in.

“America has its own unique training methods and quality. Sometimes, when I see old photos or videos from New York, I think, ‘Wow.’ I was just casually walking around Times Square, but that’s such a crazy place, right? Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Times Square is crazy. When I see those ‘On This Day’ memories on Instagram, I realize I was training in such an amazing environment back then without even realizing it.”

Hirata hopes to get better before she returns to the USA

Being halfway across from her loved ones was a difficult experience for Hirata, but she made meaningful connections and bonds with new friends over in America and is clearly glad to have had the opportunity to live and hone her craft there.

As she works on honing her craft in Japan, she hopes that it will open more opportunities for her in the future, and she may meet her colleagues in the U.S. later to show how much she has improved her craft since her time there.

“It was tough, but in the end, enjoyment wins out. My teammates and coaches in America contact me before and after fights. I want to show them my growth, so I want to go back once I’ve grown more,” Hirata said.

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