Itsuki Hirata Has Plenty to Prove in Atomweight Grand Prix at One Championship ‘Empower’

“Strong Heart Fighter” is the youngest athlete in the upcoming One Championship tournament, yet she feels confident in her skills.

Itsuki Hirata is following her dream to become the One atomweight titleholder. In order to do that, she must win the grand prix before challenging the current champion, Angela Lee. Unlike some of her fellow tournament participants, the Japanese fighter respects Lee’s decision to step away from competition for a while to become a mother.

“I know there are people who have been telling her to give up the belt because she took some time off, but I think because she became a mother, she just became that much stronger and she proved to be that much of a champion. She obviously took her time to get where she is, so I don’t think she needs to give it up or anything. I do respect her.”

Hirata (4-0, 3-0 One) will have to overcome Alyse Anderson at “One: Empower” if she wants to earn her way to the semifinals and plan for a title shot. And the 22-year-old isn’t afraid of the fact that all her potential upcoming opponents are older than her.

“I know I have less experience than the other girls in the grand prix, and I’m the youngest fighter there, but that in and of itself I think I have plenty to prove for myself in this grand prix and then this about coming up so I’d like to make sure, to prove that to everyone and make sure to put on an exciting performance for everyone to look forward to.”

Tudor Leonte started writing about mixed martial arts in 2013 for Italian media outlets. His journey with Sherdog begun in 2018 and now he covers One Championship and countless European shows. You can follow him on Twitter @MrTudorLeonte.