Malaysian veteran Jihin Radzuan is determined to snap her recent losing skid when she faces undefeated Brazilian newcomer Gabriela Fujimoto in an atomweight MMA clash. This high-stakes matchup takes place at ONE Fight Night 40 on Friday, February 13, at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
The 27-year-old southpaw is going through the toughest stretch of her career. Jihin has dropped three of her last four fights in ONE Championship’s competitive atomweight division.
Jihin brings eight promotional victories into this clash. Meanwhile, Fujimoto carries a perfect 7-0 professional record featuring four stoppage wins, including two submissions and two knockouts, into her promotional debut.
‘Shadow Cat’ Jihin Promises Significant Improvements at ONE Fight Night 40
Discussing her preparation for the Brazilian debutant, Jihin stated her desire for redemption while revealing significant changes in her striking approach. The “Shadow Cat” expressed confidence that fans will notice substantial improvements in her stand-up game when she enters the ring at ONE Fight Night 40.
“I really want to redeem myself in this fight. Every single time, I bring the same confidence in the ring. It’s going to be different this time. I think fans can expect a big and significant change in my striking and everything. I’m ready to leave everything in the ring and perform at my very best,” she stated.
Her opponent, Fujimoto, represents KO Squad out of Rio de Janeiro. The 22-year-old Brazilian’s well-rounded finishing ability across striking and grappling creates multiple threats that have overwhelmed seven consecutive opponents.
Jihin Respects Brazilian’s Unbeaten Record
Image Courtesy of ONE Championship.
The Malaysian admitted Fujimoto’s well-rounded skill set, specifically her stand-up repertoire, as her primary strength. However, she made clear that she won’t underestimate the Brazilian’s grappling despite viewing her primarily as a striker.
“I’ve watched some of her fights, and I believe she’s a well-rounded fighter. She’s undefeated as well. 7-0. I think she’s more of a striker, but I’m not looking down on her grappling game. I think this is going to be a very exciting match,” Jihin explained.
The Johor Bahru native’s submission expertise creates interesting stylistic questions about where the fight will take place at ONE Fight Night 40. Her southpaw stance and grappling credentials provide advantages if she can neutralize Fujimoto’s striking and force ground exchanges.
Malaysian Star Acknowledges Critical Nature of Matchup
Looking at the stakes involved, the “Shadow Cat” openly revealed the desperate need for victory, especially if she wants to get back in the World Title picture again. She recognizes that Fujimoto’s motivation to impress in her promotional debut at ONE Fight Night 40 creates guaranteed fireworks for atomweight MMA fans.
“I need this win very badly. But I can assure you, both of us are going to give our best. Of course, she wants to show her best performance since this is her debut, and I want to show my best to claim myself back in the winner’s column,” Jihin declared.
This clash features contrasting motivations as Jihin fights for career survival while Fujimoto seeks to announce her arrival on the global stage. The Brazilian’s youth and momentum create dangerous threats for a veteran desperately needing to rediscover winning form.
ONE Fight Night 40 airs live on Prime Video on Friday, February 13. The action begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. The event is free for all Amazon Prime subscribers in the U.S. and Canada.