‘Let’s Do The Trilogy’ – Jihin Radzuan Calls For Third Showdown With Itsuki Hirata After ONE SAMURAI 4
Jihin “Shadow Cat” Radzuan wants another shot at Itsuki “Android 18” Hirata after their rivalry reached a deadlock in Tokyo, Japan.
The Malaysian MMA star suffered a unanimous decision loss to Hirata in their women’s atomweight rematch at ONE SAMURAI 4, which emanated from Ariake Arena on Saturday, October 17.
Four years after Jihin handed the Japanese judoka her first professional defeat at ONE X in March 2022, “Android 18” turned the tables on home soil, using her improved grappling to secure a hard-fought victory.
With both women now holding one victory apiece, the Johor Bahru native believes there is unfinished business between them. But before pursuing a third encounter, the 28-year-old Malaysian is determined to address the weaknesses that cost her the win in Tokyo.
Reflecting on her performance, Jihin told onefc.com:
“On the striking side, I think I did a good job. The striking was there. I just should have been more aware of what she wanted to do, and I should have shown more urgency.
“I think I should work more on the grappling part.”
The Malaysian found success with her punches and kicks throughout the contest, particularly when she could keep the action upright.
However, Hirata gradually utilized her grappling skills, securing takedowns and controlling stretches of the women’s atomweight MMA battle to sway the judges in her favor.
Jihin acknowledged that she struggled to escape those positions quickly enough, allowing the Japanese star to dictate the pace despite her own success in the stand-up exchanges.
She explained:
“I heard that she was tired. She was saying something to her corner, and she was tired holding me.
“Of course, I was too aware of the grappling part, but I think I hurt her with my cross.”
Despite the disappointing result, Jihin found plenty of positives in her first competitive appearance in Japan.
The Malaysian National Wushu Champion had been eager to experience the country’s passionate martial arts culture, and the reception she received exceeded her expectations.
Even after falling to the local favorite, Jihin was touched by the support of the Japanese fans, who recognized her at the athlete hotel and offered encouragement following the contest.
She recalled:
“I love the crowd. I love getting back to fighting on the big stage, doing the [opening] ceremony, and fighting in the cage. The feeling is so awesome as an MMA fighter. Fighting in Japan, everyone thought nobody knew me. Actually, people stopped me at the hotel to take pictures, asking me for autographs. They even had printed photos of me.
“When I got out of the cage, people were rooting for me. They were saying, ‘You did a good job,’ and ‘Do your best next time.’ So far, nothing bad.”
Jihin Welcomes Hirata Trilogy, Keeps Eyes On Atomweight Gold
Although Jihin Radzuan was unable to replicate her 2022 victory over Itsuki Hirata, she has no intention of letting the defeat define their rivalry.
Their two meetings have produced contrasting outcomes, with “Shadow Cat” winning the first encounter by split decision and “Android 18” responding with a unanimous decision triumph four years later.
A third contest would offer both women an opportunity to settle the score, and the Malaysian is open to returning to the Circle against her Japanese counterpart to finish the feud.
Jihin said:
“Of course, now it’s one-one. Why not? As a fighter, I don’t really like to fight the same opponent every single time, but let’s do it. Let’s do the trilogy.”
However, Jihin’s ambitions extend beyond settling unfinished business with Hirata.
The women’s atomweight MMA division is approaching another pivotal moment, with Chihiro Sawada and Anastasia “Anniemale” Nikolakakos scheduled to battle for the vacant ONE Women’s Atomweight MMA World Title at ONE SAMURAI 6 on December 2.
Having previously faced Nikolakakos in July, Jihin will be watching that matchup closely as she considers her next move. The Malaysian understands that she must rebuild her momentum before challenging for the division’s biggest prize, but her long-term objective remains unchanged.
She said:
“I have my eyes on the upcoming belt fight. So I guess while waiting for that, I should be proving myself worthy, and then we’re going to look for a belt fight.”
