Hirata And Radzuan Run Back Their Historic Rivalry At ONE SAMURAI 4
Itsuki “Android 18” Hirata burst onto the global stage with a flawless 4-0 run built on formidable judo skills, a streak that came to a screeching halt the moment her path first crossed with Jihin “Shadow Cat” Radzuan at the historic ONE X in 2022.
The two settle unfinished business in a pivotal atomweight MMA rematch at ONE SAMURAI 4, streaming live from Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan, on Saturday, October 17.
Entering that first meeting as the clear favorite, Hirata found her signature hip throws repeatedly neutralized by the resilient Malaysian underdog. Jihin’s clever escapes and expertly timed strikes secured a split-decision upset that left Hirata trailing on the judges’ scorecards.
Since that defeat, Hirata has navigated a difficult stretch with characteristic resilience, winning two of her last three outings. That resurgence was highlighted by a third-round rear-naked choke submission over Ritu Phogat, elevating her career record to 8-5.
Jihin, meanwhile, has built one of the more well-rounded résumés in the division. The Fairtex Training Center and Foxgloves Fight Gym representative holds a 10-5 professional record featuring nine promotional victories since debuting in 2018.
Alongside her win over Hirata, Jihin has also beaten former World Title challenger Mei Yamaguchi and held her own in fiercely contested battles against former ONE Women’s Atomweight MMA World Champion Denice Zamboanga, former three-sport queen Stamp Fairtex, and Japanese contender Chihiro Sawada.
Her evolving game was on full display at ONE Fight Night 40 in February, when she stopped promotional debutant Gabriela Fujimoto in the third round, snapping her unbeaten record and further cementing her reputation as a complete martial artist.
Jihin enters Tokyo with additional motivation after dropping a closely contested split decision to Anastasia Nikolakakos at ONE Fight Night 45 this past July, while Hirata is driven by long-awaited redemption for the loss that once halted her rise. Both women view October 17 as a chance to reclaim momentum in a talent-laden division.
A definitive win for either woman would keep the victor firmly in the hunt for the vacant ONE Women’s Atomweight MMA World Title.
READ MORE: Unbeaten Ubaid Hussain Reflects On His Rise Through ONE Championship
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