Ham Seo Hee, Itsuki Hirata Sound Off On Rebooked Atomweight Clash At ONE Fight Night 8

Ham Seo Hee and Itsuki Hirata are ready to finish what they started when they finally meet in the Circle on Friday, March 24.

The atomweight stars went through difficult fight camps ahead of their originally scheduled MMA matchup at ONE 163 last year, but Hirata missed weight and hydration, and “Hamzzang” refused to negotiate a higher catchweight afterward.

Now, both athletes have agreed to square off at ONE Fight Night 8 on Prime Video, giving “Android 18” a chance to redeem herself.

The young phenom is grateful for the second chance – both to the organization and her upcoming opponent.

Hirata said:

“When I got an offer for this fight, I was full of appreciation for everything. I really appreciate ONE Championship giving me a chance again. 

“For Ham Seo Hee, thanks for waiting.”

However, Ham isn’t ready to offer her full forgiveness until Hirata makes the matchup official and keeps her end of the bargain on the scales. 

The South Korean superstar desperately wants to put this chapter to bed, but she wants “Android 18” to prove her professionalism first.

“Hamzzang” explained:

“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.”

Hirata Hoping To Leapfrog Ham For Potential World Title Shot

Aside from their history, there’s an even more important storyline in play between Ham Seo Hee and Itsuki Hirata – the ever-evolving ONE Women’s Atomweight World Title picture.

For Hirata, this is a massive opportunity to make a leap up the atomweight rankings by defeating the #2 contender.

The 23-year-old Japanese fighter is already in the United States getting ready for the contest, and she wants to win back the faith of her loyal fans.

“Android 18” said:

“I came back to New York two months ago and have been training every day for this fight. I’ve been sharpening my grappling and striking techniques here. 

“For this fight, I’m a challenger, and I’m the one grabbing this big chance to climb the ladder up to the top. I will showcase [my skills].

“For the people who always supported me, I’m sorry that I’ve made mistakes many times, but I will get the victory for you all.”

Meanwhile, Ham can stay undefeated in ONE and solidify her claim as a top atomweight contender.

In fact, if she can take out Hirata, she thinks the next logical step is a World Championship showdown with longtime divisional queen Angela Lee.

The South Korean added:

“I want to showcase that I’m the next in line for that title shot, that I’m the best in the division. I only see the World Title shot next.”