‘I Want To Bring Back The Old Me’ – Itsuki Hirata Hungry For Redemption In Crucial Return At ONE Friday Fights 120
For Japanese fan-favorite Itsuki “Android 18” Hirata, the path back to the World Title conversation runs directly through the hallowed grounds of Lumpinee Stadium.
The 25-year-old atomweight MMA contender, once favored to reach the pinnacle of the atomweight division, will make her highly anticipated return to action at ONE Friday Fights 120 on Friday, August 15, live in Asia primetime.
That evening, she’ll face undefeated promotional newcomer Arti “The Destroyer” Khatri inside Bangkok’s iconic “Mecca of Muay Thai.”
For Hirata, who burst onto the ONE Championship scene as a teenage phenom, this could be the turning point in her career. It’s a golden chance to recapture the momentum that once positioned her as a future World Title challenger in the women’s 115-pound ranks.
After relying on her suffocating ground control for a blistering 4-0 start in the world’s largest martial arts organization, Hirata fell on hard times, going 1-4 in her last five bouts. Her most recent outing resulted in a shocking first-round submission loss to Victoria “Vick” Souza at ONE 167 last year.
While setbacks have tested Hirata’s resolve, she is grateful to return to ONE’s global stage and showcase her talents once again.
Hirata told onefc.com:
“I’m feeling really good — just excited, honestly. I’m looking forward to it. It’s crazy. I’ve got a mix of nerves and excitement. It’s been so long, so of course I’m a bit nervous, but I also want to enjoy that feeling.
“It’s my first Friday Fights. I’m curious to see what it’s like. It’s also my first night fight in a while, and my first time at Lumpinee Stadium. I’ve heard it gets really loud and electric, so I’m excited for that.”
However, the journey back has been challenging for the former judo champion.
Following Hirata’s disheartening loss to Souza, self-doubt began to creep in, forcing her to confront some uncomfortable truths about her career trajectory.
During her darkest moments, “Android 18” admits she questioned whether she could compete at the elite level again.
She explained:
“Even when I wanted to turn away from martial arts, I was still surrounded by it. After my loss, I was so shocked and down that there was a time I didn’t even want to watch fights. I shut myself off from a lot of it, but because of my environment, I still ended up seeing it. It was a period of asking myself, ‘Can I really do this again?'”
However, the Japanese star emerged from that difficult period with renewed confidence and purpose.
Hirata spent her time away from competition, addressing both the mental and physical aspects of her game.
Now, “Android 18” can confidently say that she has conquered her demons. She added:
“Beating myself. Mentally and physically — doing what I want to do, and winning. I’ll ride that momentum all the way. That’s how excited I am for this fight.
“I’ve been focused on improving my clinch and grappling so I can fight the way I want to. I’ve trained that relentlessly, so I hope I can show it in the fight.”
Despite the recent struggles, Hirata’s warrior spirit burns as intensely as ever. She’s determined to rediscover the form that made her one of the most promising stars in the atomweight MMA division.
The Tokyo native declared:
“That’s who I am as a fighter. I want to bring back the old me. I’ve trained hard and I’m just excited to finally fight again. I’m going in determined not to lose in spirit.”
Hirata Ready For Stern Test Against Dangerous Debutant
Standing opposite Itsuki Hirata will be India fighter Arti Khatri, an undefeated promotional newcomer boasting a perfect 5-0 record with an impressive 80 percent finishing rate.
The Delhi native earned her shot on the global stage through her dominant performances on the regional circuit and is now gunning for her breakthrough moment.
Hirata refuses to serve as a stepping stone for the ONE debutant, who will be looking to leave a lasting first impression at the Japanese star’s expense.
“Android 18” respects what the Indian fighter brings to the table, but she already has a battle plan in mind. Hirata relayed:
“She can strike and grapple. She’s been away from competition for a while, but I’m expecting her to come in even better than before, so I have to push the pace.”
While Khatri’s aggressive approach presents certain challenges, Hirata believes that overeagerness could also work in her favor.
The Japanese fighter concluded:
“If she brings the fight to me, I think that could actually work in my favor. It might make for an even more exciting fight. She’ll come forward, so I need to meet that and go beyond it.”
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