Jihin Radzuan anticipates hard-fought battle with Gabriela Fujimoto at ONE Fight Night 40: “I need this win very badly”

Malaysian atomweight contender Jihin “Shadow Cat” Radzuan returns to ONE Championship with redemption on her mind. She welcomes undefeated Brazilian Gabriela “Gabi” Fujimoto in a pivotal atomweight MMA clash at ONE Fight Night 40: Buntan vs. Hemetsberger II on Friday, February 13, broadcasting live in U.S. primetime from Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium.

Radzuan aims for her first victory since submitting Jenelyn Olsim at ONE Friday Fights 35. The Wushu World Champion has since absorbed consecutive losses to Chihiro Sawada and Macarena Aragon. Those defeats tested her resolve but sharpened her hunger. The 27-year-old relocated training camps to Foxgloves Fight Gym in Singapore, closer to her family home in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, to make critical adjustments.

Fujimoto brings a perfect 7-0 record and represents a difficult test for the Malaysian fighter. Radzuan studied her opponent and came away impressed. She expects an exciting matchup against the 22-year-old promotional newcomer. The technical refinements during this camp give Radzuan renewed confidence heading into fight night.

“For this camp, I’ve been focusing a lot more on [the technical aspects] of my striking – how to move out, when to step in, and how to work on a lot of angles and stuff like that. You all will see it on February 13,” Radzuan said. “Otherwise, I’ve been feeling great [throughout] this preparation with fight camp. I also feel good with my weight and everything else.”

Jihin Radzuan identifies key advantage

Jihin Radzuan acknowledges Gabriela Fujimoto’s spotless record and threat level. However, the Malaysian identifies a specific advantage that could prove decisive. Radzuan’s extensive experience competing inside the ring under MMA rules gives her an edge. For Fujimoto, this marks her first time fighting in the squared circle under mixed martial arts competition, presenting unique challenges most athletes underestimate.

The ring environment differs significantly from cage fighting. Radzuan explained how positioning changes with ropes versus fencing. She believes her familiarity with ring dynamics will help her control positioning and dictate exchanges. The KO Squad representative will come out aggressively, but Radzuan anticipates the adjustments required.

Both fighters carry high stakes into this Valentine’s Day eve showdown. Fujimoto seeks the perfect debut and birthday celebration. Radzuan hunts redemption and her 10th career victory after consecutive setbacks. The Malaysian expects fireworks when two elite atomweights collide on the promotion’s second U.S. primetime card of 2026.

“I need this win very badly. But I can assure you, both of us are going to give our best,” Radzuan said. “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.”