Indian wrestling superstar Ritu Phogat will look to continue her comeback journey when she faces Itsuki Hirata in an atomweight MMA contest at ONE 173 on Sunday, 16 November, at Tokyo's iconic Ariake Arena.
The 31-year-old Phogat enters this high-stakes matchup seeking to redeem herself after recent setbacks and establish momentum following her return to competition.
Her journey back to the Circle has been marked by significant personal milestones that temporarily shifted her focus away from martial arts.
After losing to Stamp Fairtex in the ONE Atomweight MMA World Grand Prix Championship Final in December 2021, Phogat made the decision to prioritize family life. She married in late 2022 and welcomed a baby boy in 2024.
The Indian superstar made her emotional comeback at ONE 171: Qatar in February 2025, marking her return after giving birth. Now, she faces another crucial test against a formidable Japanese opponent who has been building momentum of her own.
Since making her ONE Championship debut in 2019 with a TKO victory after achieving success in wrestling, Phogat has compiled seven ONE victories with three finishes. Her wrestling pedigree and ground control have made her a consistent threat in the atomweight division.
Standing opposite her is the 26-year-old Hirata, who brings her own impressive credentials to this encounter.
The Japanese fighter has secured six ONE victories, establishing herself as a legitimate contender in the competitive atomweight ranks.
Hirata enters this bout with confidence after her successful comeback on 15 August at ONE Friday Fights 120, where she defeated India's Arti Khatri by unanimous decision.
The contrast in styles promises an intriguing matchup, with Phogat's wrestling expertise meeting Hirata's judo background in a clash that could determine the next steps for both fighters' ONE World Championship aspirations.
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