After nearly four years away from competition, Indian MMA fighter Aarti Khatri is prepared to make her mark on the global stage when she faces Japanese fighter Itsuki Hirata at ONE Friday Fights 120 on 15 August.
The 29-year-old will make her ONE Championship debut against Hirata in an atomweight MMA contest at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Both fighters are returning from extended layoffs, with Hirata making her comeback after last competing in June 2024, while Khatri hasn't stepped into the cage since four years ago.
The extended break hasn't diminished Khatri's enthusiasm for this career-defining opportunity.
"I am very excited because after such a long time, I'm going to get an opportunity on such a big platform. I want to win there," the undefeated fighter said.
Her four-year absence from competition wasn't spent idle. Training at Amit Muay Thai, Khatri maintained her focus and preparation for exactly this moment.
"During the hiatus, I kept focusing on training continuously. The hope was that when I get the opportunity, I have to show good performance," she explained.
Khatri's journey to ONE Championship hasn't been without obstacles. Throughout her career, she's faced criticism from relatives who questioned her choice to pursue such a demanding sport.
"My relatives would say that she is the master of her own will. They would say that she has chosen such a sport where she can get injured. She is a girl, so if there are problems later, who will take care of you? But I wouldn't listen to anyone," Khatri revealed.
The timing of her debut adds special significance, as it falls on India's Independence Day.
"I want to wave my country's flag, so I will be very happy. It's 15 August (Independence Day), so I want to come back with a victory," she declared.
ONE Friday Fights 120 will be broadcast live on JioHotstar and Star Sports Select 2 at 6:00 p.m. IST on Friday, 15 August.
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