Itsuki Hirata was 4-0 on the global stage when she met Jihin Radzuan at ONE X in 2022. The Malaysian neutralized her grappling and edged a split decision, inflicting the first loss of Hirata's career.
More than four years later, the two meet again in an atomweight MMA rematch at ONE SAMURAI 4 on Saturday, October 17, at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan. For the 27-year-old, it is a fight that has occupied her thoughts ever since.
"I've always wanted this fight. This is the fight that has always been on my mind. I know Jihin is motivated and training hard as well. But I'm very excited and ready to fight. I'm thrilled we are going to rematch after some time," Hirata said.
The first meeting turned on the ground. Despite an extensive judo background, Hirata could not land her signature throws and spent long stretches under Jihin's control.
That defeat opened the most turbulent stretch of her career, including a three-fight losing streak that raised questions about her place in the atomweight division. She has since rebuilt her game around the very area that failed her.
"Last time I fought her, she controlled me, and I couldn't do anything on the ground for the whole fight. But now, I've improved my grappling, so I have a better chance to defeat her. I'm very much improved, especially with my grappling," Hirata said.
The results have followed. Hirata has won two of her last three outings, including submitting Ritu Phogat with a third-round rear-naked choke at ONE SAMURAI 1 in Tokyo this past April.
Even so, she expects nothing to come easily against the opponent who first set her back.
"This is going to be a very tough fight. I'm just determined to give it my all in every round," Hirata said.
"Avenging my defeat to her years ago is all I'm thinking about. If I can get my revenge, that would feel awesome."
The stakes extend beyond personal history. The ONE Women's Atomweight MMA World Title is vacant after Denice Zamboanga relinquished the belt, and Hirata views the winner as the next rightful contender.
A victory would place her back in the title conversation. A loss would leave the rivalry 2-0 in Jihin's favor and push her further from the belt she was once expected to contest.
