Ritu Phogat draws inspiration from Khabib ahead of Itsuki Hirata fight

Ritu Phogat is all set to lock horns with Itsuki Hirata in the ONE Atomweight Grand Prix Semi-Finals. The match will happen on 29 October 2021 at ONE: NEXT GEN.

Currently holding a professional record of 6-1 to her name, Ritu has been a force to reckon with in the ONE Championship and is coming off a huge win over Meng Bo.

“Everyone knows what I’m capable of, and after that performance, now you have to doubt me at your own risk and peril. I'm the best wrestler in the division, hands down, and my striking game can only improve and get better from here. People underestimate me but I’m very strong for my size. It’s hard to submit someone when you’re being held down and smashed by the guard. I’m not an easy fighter to submit. Many have tried before, and no one has succeeded,” she said to Sportstar.

Ritu Phogat draws inspiration from Khabib Nurmagomedov

The Indian Tigress is staying confident ahead of the semi-final contest with Itsuki and draws inspiration from former UFC Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov.

“I will do what I do best, put her on her back, sit in her guard, and ground and pound my way to another win. Just like Khabib [Nurmagomedov], I can tell Itsuki what I’m going to do and she still can’t stop it. I’m supremely confident in my ground game and I look forward to testing strength versus strength with Itsuki,” she added.

In the second semi-final of the tournament, Stamp Fairtex will be fighting Julie Mezabarba. Stamp was initially scheduled to fight veteran Seo Hee Ham but the fight was canceled after Seo Hee Ham suffered an injury.

ONE: NEXT GEN will be headlined by the ONE Light Heavyweight Kickboxing World title as Ukrainian skyscraper Roman Kryklia returns to defend the ONE Light Heavyweight Kickboxing World Championship against Dutch-Turkish bruiser Murat Aygun.

ALSO READ | Stamp Fairtex gives her prediction for Ritu Phogat vs. Itsuki Hirata

What are your thoughts on the semi-final matchup? Let us know in the comments below.

---

You can download our mobile app available on the Google Playstore and the App Store for all the latest news and updates from the Combat Sports World

LEAVE A COMMENT

Please login to leave a comment

0 Comments