ONE SAMURAI 1: “Those fans are always supporting”

ONE atomweight MMA veteran Itsuki Hirata of Japan had the Ariake Arena in Tokyo rocking after her breakthrough win at ONE SAMURAI 1 on April 29.

“Android 18” returned to the winner’s circle in style with a second-round rear-naked choke victory over Ritu “The Indian Tigress” Phogat of India.

Apart from regaining momentum in her career, that win meant so much more since it happened on home soil.

The 26-year-old remains grateful for the energy inside the arena, as the crowd erupted in joy after her momentous victory.

Speaking to Nick Atkin through a translator after the bout, she described what that support means to her:

“Even when she loses, even when she wins, those fans are always supporting. So, huge appreciation, and she’s very happy that she can share this feeling with the fans.”

Watch the full interview:

That connection with the Japanese fanbase has been one of the constants throughout her ONE Championship career.

Getting the finish in front of that passionate crowd gave her the chance to give something back to the support she received over the years.

Itsuki Hirata now hopes to string more victories and get back in the running for a world title in the stacked atomweight MMA division. Her Japanese fans will no doubt have her back every step of the way.

Itsuki Hirata says she wouldn’t be here without her fans

Doubt started to creep in for Itsuki Hirata following her tough losses in the home of martial arts.

The Japanese star wanted to quit several times but felt she owed it to her fans who wanted to see her succeed.

After everything she went through, “Android 18” thanked her loyal fans via a translator.

“When she wins, that’s the moment she feels more appreciation for the people who supported her all the way here,” she told Nick Atkin of The Bangkok Post.