Chinese Athlete Lin Heqin Fired Up to Add Another Loss to 22-Year-Old Itsuki Hirata’s Resume at ONE on Prime Video 1

“MMA Sister” Lin Heqin wants to showcase her development when she goes toe-to-toe with Japanese judoka Itsuki “Android 18” Hirata on the lead card of ONE on Prime Video 1: Moraes vs. Johnson II on August 26.

The atomweight mixed martial artist believes their clash of styles will make for an exciting battle when it goes down at the event, which broadcasts live in U.S. primetime.

“I think every athlete in ONE Championship has their own professional skills. So I will take every fight seriously,” the Haosheng MMA representative noted.

“Hirata has a totally different style to me, but I think it will be an excellent match.”

Lin believes her abilities in the striking department could mean trouble for Hirata, especially after her recent defeat to Jihin “Shadow Cat” Radzuan at ONE X earlier this year.

“Android 18’s” inability to handle Jihin’s relentless pressure was one of the factors that led to her slipping to a split-decision loss on that occasion.

“MMA Sister” has taken note of these details to ensure that she maintains her composure in her upcoming fight, where she’ll be looking to score a second straight win inside the Circle.

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“I saw her weakness in that match. It was her first defeat, but I will show her by my actions that it will not be the last one,” Lin said.

“I know [Hirata] has worked hard for this fight, and she continues to work on her jiu-jitsu skills, but I am not idle. I have worked as hard as anyone, so I am confident for the fight.”

ONE on Prime Video 1: Lin Heqin praises Itsuki Hirata’s grappling skills

While she is steadfast in her belief that her skills will take her past “Android 18,” Lin is still not underestimating what her foe brings to the Circle, especially in the grappling department.

To counter “Android 18’s” most dangerous weapon, the Chinese striker has been putting in the time to develop her own ground game.

And she hopes it will be enough for her to avoid some sticky situations if the match goes to the canvas.

“I think Hirata is good at grappling. She is regarded as one of the best grapplers of all the female athletes, but her striking is her weakness, as well as distance control,” Lin said.

“Her jiu-jitsu skills deserve the most praise, but I will let everyone know that I am the most dangerous opponent during the fight.”

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