Hirata Says Improved Grappling Flips Radzuan Rematch

Itsuki Hirata says the grappling disadvantage that cost her a decision loss to Jihin Radzuan in 2022 is now the strength that will win her the rematch at ONE SAMURAI 4 on Saturday, October 17, at Ariake Arena in Tokyo.

"Last time I fought her, she controlled me, and I couldn't do anything on the ground for the whole fight. But now, I've improved my grappling, so I have a better chance to defeat her. I'm very much improved, especially with my grappling," Hirata said.

What Happened Between Hirata and Radzuan the First Time

Jihin Radzuan handed Itsuki Hirata the first loss of her career at ONE X in 2022, grinding out a close split decision by neutralizing Hirata's grappling over three rounds. Hirata had arrived at that fight unbeaten in four straight global appearances, three by finish, and the loss to Radzuan knocked her off her track and triggered a three-fight skid that followed. Hirata says she spent the years since rebuilding her ground game specifically to answer what went wrong that night.

Why This Rematch Doubles as a Title Eliminator

Hirata treats the Radzuan rematch as a de facto title eliminator with the ONE Women's Atomweight MMA World Title currently vacant after Denice Zamboanga relinquished the belt. "At first, I thought Jihin was definitely in line to fight for the World Title next. But somehow, we've ended up with this rematch. So in my mind, whoever wins this fight should be the next contender for the belt," Hirata said. She has not softened the stakes in her own head, either. "That's why I can't lose this fight. I have to win. I need to win, because if I don't, I have no right to talk about the World Title."

Hirata arrives off a third-round submission of Ritu Phogat at ONE SAMURAI 1 in April and has won two of her last three outings, evidence that the rebuild she describes is showing up in results, not just talk.

Betting Angle

The first fight was close enough to go either way, a split decision built on Radzuan's ability to own the clinch and the mat against a striker who had nothing to offer off her back. If Hirata's claimed grappling improvement is real and not just confidence talk, that is exactly the kind of stylistic shift that moves a line, since it takes away Radzuan's path to a repeat decision and opens the door for Hirata to either control exchanges on the ground herself or at least neutralize the takedowns long enough to lean on her finishing instincts. Books and bettors should watch for how the fight opens: a number close to even would reflect genuine uncertainty about whether Hirata's grappling claims hold up live, while any lean toward Radzuan would suggest the market still trusts the version of Hirata that lost in 2022 over the one promising改变 heading into Ariake Arena. Given the vacant title is effectively on the line, expect both camps to be sharp and prepared, which argues against expecting a blowout price either way.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do Itsuki Hirata and Jihin Radzuan fight again?

Itsuki Hirata faces Jihin Radzuan in an atomweight MMA rematch at ONE SAMURAI 4 on Saturday, October 17, at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.

Who won the first fight between Hirata and Radzuan?

Jihin Radzuan won the first meeting by split decision at ONE X in 2022, handing Itsuki Hirata the first loss of her professional career.

Is the ONE Women's Atomweight MMA World Title on the line?

The title itself is not officially on the line, but Itsuki Hirata has called the rematch a de facto title eliminator since the belt is currently vacant after Denice Zamboanga relinquished it.