Itsuki Hirata Beats Arti Khatri in Unanimous Decision
Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, Bangkok — August 15, 2025
Japanese standout Itsuki Hirata (7-2) returned to form with a dominant unanimous decision win over India’s Arti Khatri (4-1) at ONE Friday Fights 120. Over three rounds of high-paced MMA action, Hirata showcased her grappling pedigree, top control, and relentless pressure to hand Khatri her first professional loss.
Hirata’s Ground Game Controls the Fight
From the opening bell, Hirata wasted no time closing the distance. She secured an early takedown and immediately transitioned to side control, smothering Khatri with elbows and short punches. Khatri attempted to scramble, but Hirata’s positional awareness and heavy hips kept her grounded.
Round 2 followed a similar script, with Hirata dragging the fight to the mat and dominating from top position. She threatened with submissions and landed consistent ground-and-pound, leaving Khatri visibly frustrated and unable to mount any significant offense.
In the final round, Khatri showed urgency on the feet, landing a few clean strikes, but Hirata quickly neutralized the momentum with another takedown. The judges scored the bout unanimously in favor of Hirata, who celebrated a much-needed bounce-back win.
Khatri’s Undefeated Streak Ends
Arti Khatri entered the bout with a perfect record and growing hype as India’s next breakout MMA star. While she showed flashes of striking talent, she struggled to defend Hirata’s takedowns and spent most of the fight on her back. The loss is a learning moment for the young prospect, who remains a promising name in the atomweight division.
Atomweight Division Watch: Hirata’s Rebound
With the win, Hirata reasserts herself as a contender in ONE’s atomweight division. Her grappling-heavy style and physicality make her a tough matchup for anyone in the top 10.
Conclusion
Itsuki Hirata’s unanimous decision over Arti Khatri was a statement of control, dominance, and resurgence. In a sport where one mistake can cost everything, Hirata fought with discipline and purpose. ONE Friday Fights 120 delivered fireworks, and Hirata proved she’s still a force to be reckoned with in the atomweight ranks.
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Tags: Boxing, Combat Sports
