Gabriela Fujimoto couldn’t have scripted a more perfect ONE Championship debut.
The undefeated Brazilian will celebrate her birthday in the most memorable way possible when she faces Malaysian star Jihin “Shadow Cat” Radzuan in an atomweight MMA clash at ONE Fight Night 40: Buntan vs. Hemetsberger II on Friday, February 13.
This spectacle will air live in U.S. primetime from the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
The KO Squad product brings a pristine 7-0 professional record into the world’s largest martial arts organization, with four of those victories coming via spectacular finish.
Growing up in Mogi das Cruzes, São Paulo, and later relocating to Rio de Janeiro, Fujimoto has steadily climbed the South American MMA ranks. Now, she takes the biggest step of her career by making her first promotional appearance on the most meaningful date possible.
The undefeated Brazilian sensation revealed:
“I will be making my debut at the event on my birthday. It’s the first time this has ever happened, and it will certainly be the best gift of my life.”
Beyond the birthday coincidence, this fight represents another milestone that holds special significance for the 22-year-old athlete.
Competing internationally has been a long-held dream, and stepping onto the global stage fulfills an ambition she’s carried throughout her martial arts journey.
The magnitude of leaving Brazil to compete at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok – one of combat sports’ most iconic venues – isn’t lost on Fujimoto.
She said:
“The fact that this is my first time leaving my country to fight is something I’ve always dreamed of.”
Standing between Fujimoto and her magnificent birthday celebration is 27-year-old Radzuan, a Wushu World Champion and submission specialist who has been a mainstay of the women’s atomweight MMA division.
The Malaysian rockstar has compiled eight victories throughout her promotional tenure. “Shadow Cat,” however, enters this clash navigating a difficult period, as she has lost three of her last four bouts.
For Fujimoto, facing a veteran with Radzuan’s experience and accolades provides a solid litmus test. A victory over an established ONE Championship athlete would immediately position the Brazilian among the atomweight division’s top contenders.
When asked about her fighting style and approach, Fujimoto offered:
“I consider myself a versatile athlete, capable of adapting throughout the fight. My favorite techniques are grappling-focused: takedowns and ground-and-pound.
“I am a fighter who takes advantage of opportunities. I don’t prioritize a specific outcome, only capitalizing on what presents itself. My varied record reflects that. I believe this fight is wide open, but it will end before 15 minutes.”
Fujimoto Ready To Impose Her Game
Gabriela Fujimoto has spent considerable time studying Jihin Radzuan’s previous performances, analyzing the Malaysian’s strengths and identifying potential weaknesses to exploit at ONE Fight Night 40.
“Shadow Cat’s” familiarity with the Global Mixed Martial Arts Rule Set gives her a significant advantage. However, Fujimoto believes her own preparation and adaptability will neutralize that edge, creating a competitive battle that could swing in either direction based on strategy.
The Brazilian sensation explained:
“I have watched some of her previous fights. She is already familiar with ONE’s rules, she is very skilled in several areas, and it will definitely be a very dynamic fight.
“She has good cardio and is capable of maintaining the same pace for all three rounds. I believe we have that in common, so it will be decided by small details.”
The Brazilian expects an intense showdown that will be determined by whoever can capitalize on the smallest mistakes. However, the Rio de Janeiro native has highlighted potential vulnerabilities she plans to exploit.
Fujimoto concluded her pre-fight assessment with confidence in her preparation:
“I believe she leaves openings in some positions that will allow me to impose my game.”