Ritu Phogat Returns To Face Itsuki Hirata In Crucial Atomweight MMA Clash At ONE 173
Indian wrestling sensation Ritu “The Indian Tigress” Phogat is scheduled to return to action against Japanese judoka Itsuki “Android 18” Hirata in a highly anticipated atomweight MMA bout at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri on Sunday, November 16.
The bout takes place at the iconic Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan, and represents a compelling clash between two elite grapplers from different martial arts disciplines. Both women are seeking to establish themselves as top contenders in the highly competitive atomweight MMA division in ONE Championship.
Phogat comes into this contest riding the wave of her inspiring comeback story. The 31-year-old daughter of legendary wrestling coach Mahavir Singh Phogat made her emotional return to competition at ONE 171: Qatar this past February, just months after giving birth to her son.
That appearance marked the end of an extended hiatus and showcased her incredible dedication to both motherhood and her professional fighting career.
However, Phogat also enters this contest looking to erase the painful memory of her latest setback against Japanese submission machine Ayaka “Zombie” Miura.
Phogat has built her reputation on explosive takedowns and relentless ground control. November 16 holds a special place in the heart of “The Indian Tigress,” as it marks the exact day she transitioned from wrestling to MMA and made a successful debut in the world’s largest martial arts organization six years ago.
“The Indian Tigress” went on to build an impressive 7-1 record before reaching the final of the prestigious ONE Atomweight World Grand Prix Championship, where she fell short against Stamp Fairtex.
Since that defeat in 2021, Phogat has suffered two more setbacks against elite opposition. Now, she is determined to rediscover her old form and reignite her climb up the atomweight MMA ladder when she takes on the Japanese star.
Meanwhile, the 25-year-old Hirata successfully returned to action at ONE Friday Fights 120. The Japanese standout secured a unanimous decision victory over India’s Arti “The Destroyer” Khatri, showcasing the impeccable grappling and all-around skills that have made her one of the division’s most promising talents.
“Android 18” brings a completely different grappling dimension to this matchup. Her judo background provides exceptional throwing ability and ground transitions, creating fascinating stylistic questions against Phogat’s wrestling-heavy skill set.
This matchup also adds another layer of intrigue, as Hirata aims to take out another tough Indian opponent following her recent victory over Khatri. On the other hand, Phogat is determined to bounce back after her recent defeat to Japanese opposition.
With both women possessing elite grappling credentials and points to prove, this atomweight MMA showdown promises to deliver explosive action and an interesting clash of styles that should make for an epic three-round affair.
Stay tuned to onefc.com for more news about ONE 173.
