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Itsuki Hirata and Jihin Radzuan clash for the vacant title at ONE Samurai 4 in Tokyo
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Published 4 days ago

Itsuki Hirata and Jihin Radzuan clash for the vacant title at ONE Samurai 4 in Tokyo

Itsuki Hirata and Jihin Radzuan face off on October 17 in Tokyo at ONE Samurai 4 for a historic rematch. More than a personal duel, this fight represents a quest for redemption for Hirata after four years of doubt and three consecutive losses. The winner will claim the vacant atomweight title and establish herself as the undisputed contender for the world belt.

To remember:

  • Itsuki Hirata faces Jihin Radzuan on October 17, 2023 in Tokyo at ONE Samurai 4 for a rematch four years after their first fight.
  • This bout represents a quest for redemption for Hirata, determined to erase her loss and claim the vacant atomweight title.
  • After three consecutive losses, Hirata has strengthened her grappling to address her weaknesses and prepare for this decisive duel.

Four years after her first loss to Jihin Radzuan, Itsuki Hirata will finally get the chance to turn the page at ONE Samurai 4. This bout, scheduled for October 17, 2023 at Tokyo’s Ariake Arena, is more than just a rematch—it’s a quest for redemption for the Japanese fighter, determined to erase the failure that marked her career.
This duel goes beyond personal stakes. With the atomweight title vacant since Denice Zamboanga’s departure, the winner will emerge as the natural contender for the world belt. Hirata, aware of what’s at stake, declared: "If I lose, I won’t even have the right to mention the title". Added pressure for an athlete on a mission to reclaim her status.

A journey fraught with obstacles

Between the two fights, Hirata endured a turbulent period, suffering three consecutive losses. These setbacks called her place in the ultra-competitive atomweight division into question. Yet, the Tokyo native turned these trials into opportunities, refining her grappling to address the weaknesses exposed in their first meeting.
Radzuan, on the other hand, arrives with an impressive streak of five straight wins. The Malaysian, who has never been defeated by submission, will be a formidable opponent for Hirata, who must draw on all her experience to secure the victory.

A stakes far greater than a simple rematch

This fight isn’t just about personal pride. It’s Hirata’s chance to prove she belongs among the global elite. After dominating the exchanges in their first bout only to lose by unanimous decision, the Japanese fighter has worked tirelessly to improve her ground game.
For Radzuan, it’s an opportunity to confirm her favorite status and establish herself as the new queen of the atomweight division. A clash that promises to be explosive and could very well redefine the future of this weight class.

Between a quest for redemption and a bid to confirm her status, the fight between Itsuki Hirata and Jihin Radzuan at ONE Samurai 4 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated of the year. Who will emerge victorious from this showdown? The answer comes on October 17 in Tokyo.

Editor's Opinion
By Nakmen
Damn, this Hirata vs. Radzuan matchup is pure Jurassic Park meets MMA: two predators sizing each other up, thinking, "You or me, but not both." Four years after the loss, Hirata wants her revenge like Batman wants to take down the Joker—just with a little less psychopathy, thankfully. Radzuan, with her five straight wins and insane grappling, is clearly the favorite… but Hirata has been grinding on her ground game since. The problem? If she loses, she’ll get the OSS 117 treatment on the title: never allowed to talk about it again. Pressure is like a Disney movie with an extra villain—it haunts you. This fight will say it all and could shake up the atomweight belt. Definitely one to watch. And if Radzuan slips up early, Hirata might hit her with a "I told you not to underestimate me" à la Titanic… but way better.
Article written by SkimAI
Reviewed and completed by Nakmen

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