ONE on Prime Video 1: 22-Year-Old Itsuki Hirata Thrilled to Unveil Full Arsenal Against Chinese Rival
Follow Us
Itsuki “Android 18” Hirata knows the stakes will be high when she makes her long-awaited return to the Circle to face “MMA Sister” Lin Heqin at ONE on Prime Video 1 on August 26.
And, after losing her ranked atomweight spot and suffering her first career loss in her last appearance, it is easy to see why.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“I’m a little bit nervous about how much I can show for this fight,” Hirata admitted.
However, the Japanese athlete is looking to get her career back on track with a victory against the Chinese fighter when they face off on the evening’s lead card.
View this post on Instagram
With her bout being shown live on American primetime, the Japanese martial artist acknowledges that it could be the perfect stage for her to shine.
“I’m very excited to perform for them [the North American fans] because ONE has chosen me for the broadcast in the U.S.,” the 22-year-old shared.
“Of course, I can’t wait to showcase my skills to the fans globally because the broadcast on Prime Video will allow more people around the world to watch.”
Hirata’s flaws were exposed in her fight against Malaysian athlete Jihin “Shadow Cat” Radzuan at ONE X this past March.
Though she did get the upper hand in a couple of exchanges, the lack of adequate weapons to back up her ground game eventually led to her downfall.
Hirata took the loss hard. But instead of letting it drain her emotionally, the young phenom used it as a reason to widen her MMA arsenal.
Itsuki Hirata is motivated to return to the win column at ONE on Prime Video 1
She stepped outside her box and spent four weeks in New York, USA, honing her striking tools and ground game at Serra BJJ, Longo And Weidman MMA, and Ultimate Gym.
View this post on Instagram
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Those lessons have instilled a new belief in “Android 18,” and she hopes she can showcase her improvements on Friday.
Trending
Patrick Mahomes & Brittany Unexpectedly Silent as Mahomes Family Swarmed With Wishes on Brother Jackson’s Birthday
May 16, 2024 02:07 PM EDT
Joe Rogan Wants to Make MMA Difficult After Dana White Told to Remove Cage From UFC Fights – “Better if It Was Like a Basketball Court”
May 16, 2024 05:03 PM EDT
“Could Hear Jeanie Buss & Rob Pelinka Chuckling”: LeBron James Declared to Be Manipulating NBA World With Obvious Bluff
May 17, 2024 12:58 PM EDT
‘Rattled’ Scottie Scheffler Reveals Police Officer’s Unsettling Question That Left Him Speechless
May 17, 2024 10:07 PM EDT
Ahead of Simone Biles Face-Off, Helpless Gabby Douglas Stuck 1,600 Miles Away From Core Hydration Classic Arena
May 17, 2024 04:17 AM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
“I’m training so hard that I can handle being hit by fatal shots while I’m working on developing my ground and striking skills every day. I think people will pay more attention to me because I lost once,” she offered.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“I’m solidifying my striking, so I think I’ll be different from what I’ve been in the past.”
Edited by:
Reubyn Coutinho