Malaysian fighting pride Jihin Radzuan returned to the global stage of ONE Championship with her back against the wall, but that hunger for redemption led to her finest career displays yet on Friday, Feb. 13.
‘Shadow Cat’ picked up her first highlight-reel win via knockout on the global stage in her atomweight MMA tilt against debuting Brazilian superstar, Gabriela Fujimoto, at ONE Fight Night 40: Buntan vs. Hemetsberger II on Prime Video, inside Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium.
The 27-year-old wasted no time dictating the bout. She clipped the KO Squad athlete with crisp bunches down the middle. Desperate to hang on, ‘Gabi’ shot in for a swift takedown attempt, but Jihin Radzuan countered and connected with crushing knees to her opponent’s skull.
While the Fairtex Training Center and FoxGloves Fight Gym athlete had the upper hand, the Brazilian constantly reminded her atomweight rival that she was very much still in the contest.
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Fujimoto started the quicker of the two in Round 2. She closed the distance and displayed some moments of brilliance in the striking department to hurt the Malaysian.
However, ‘Shadow Cat’ used Fujimoto’s aggression against her to succeed in certain striking and grappling exchanges. The Johor Bahru native finished the frame strong and headed into her corner looking confident as ever.
But once more, the undefeated Brazilian was ready to defend her undefeated slate at all costs.
‘Gabi’ rushed back into the middle of the ring inside the Mecca of Muay Thai, ready to throwdown. Jihin sensed that and fended her onslaught with a takedown.
After going back and forth for position, the Malaysian star secured the mount and unloaded with a barrage of punches and elbows that forced the referee to call a halt to the contest at 3:36 of the third and final frame.
Official result: Jihin Radzuan defeats Gabriela Fujimoto via TKO (ground and pound) at 3:36 of Round 3
With the win, Jihin Radzuan brought an end to the two-match skid she carried into this fight after losses to Argentinian buzzsaw Macarena Aragon and Japanese star Chihiro Sawada.
The Fairtex Training Center and FoxGloves Fight Gym martial artist is now 10-5 in her career. Meanwhile, Fujimoto, who celebrated her 23rd birthday today, absorbed the first loss on her resume.
North American fight fans can watch the full ONE Fight Night 40 replay on Amazon Prime Video.
Edited by Aziel Karthak