Malaysia’s Jihin “Shadow Cat” Radzuan is heading back into one of the biggest fights of her career, with revenge, redemption, and a potential world-title opportunity all driving her forward.
Jihin will face familiar rival Itsuki “Android 18” Hirata in a highly anticipated women’s atomweight MMA rematch at ONE SAMURAI 4 on Saturday, October 17, at Ariake Arena in Tokyo.
Four years after shocking Hirata in their first meeting, the Malaysian star now has the opportunity to defeat the Japanese favourite for a second time — and potentially launch herself straight back into contention for the vacant ONE Women’s Atomweight MMA World Championship.
This time, however, Jihin enters the fight with a different challenge.
When Jihin first met Hirata at ONE X in 2022, few expected the Malaysian to walk away victorious.
Hirata entered the bout with a perfect 4-0 ONE Championship record and a reputation built around elite judo and powerful grappling.
The Johor Bahru native repeatedly neutralised Hirata’s trademark throws, escaped dangerous situations and used well-timed striking to disrupt the Japanese star’s rhythm.
After three competitive rounds, Jihin secured a split-decision victory. It remains one of the defining wins of her ONE Championship career.
Now, four years later, she has the opportunity to prove that result was not simply a one-night upset.
Since her breakthrough victory over Hirata, Jihin has continued to develop into one of the most experienced and versatile fighters in the atomweight division.
The Malaysian enters the rematch with a 10-5 professional record, including nine victories inside ONE Championship since her promotional debut in 2018.
Her resume includes another major win over former world-title challenger Mei “V.V” Yamaguchi, while she has also shared the cage with elite names such as former champion Denice “The Menace” Zamboanga, former three-sport world champion Stamp Fairtex, and Japanese contender Chihiro Sawada.
Those battles have helped Jihin mature into a fighter capable of adapting to different styles and situations.
Jihin’s evolution was particularly clear at ONE Fight Night 40 in February.
Facing promotional debutant Gabriela “Gabi” Fujimoto, Jihin produced a dominant performance and stopped her opponent in the third round.
The victory ended Fujimoto’s previously unbeaten record and demonstrated that Jihin’s game continues to evolve.
For a fighter who has spent years competing against elite opposition, that experience could prove crucial when she steps back into the cage against Hirata.
But the Shadow Cat enters Tokyo with unfinished business beyond her rivalry with Hirata.
Jihin suffered a closely contested split-decision loss to Anastasia “Anniemale” Nikolakakos at ONE Fight Night 45 in July.
Rather than allowing the defeat to derail her momentum, Jihin now has an immediate opportunity to respond.
A victory over Hirata would instantly erase much of the disappointment from that setback and put her name firmly back into the championship conversation.
With the atomweight world title currently vacant, the timing could hardly be better.
Jihin Radzuan has spent years building her reputation through difficult fights, major victories and battles against some of the best athletes in women’s MMA.
One more opportunity to prove that the “Shadow Cat” remains one of the most dangerous fighters in the atomweight division.
Credit Photo : ONE
