Irrespective of the place Shinya Aoki is on the present, anticipate him to make a spectacle out of it to ensure that he’s the star by the top of it.
Over the previous twenty years, Aoki has dabbled in grappling, MMA {and professional} wrestling, rooting himself within the tradition of Japanese martial arts. Together with his legendary stature, ‘Tobikan Judan’ has been paired with promising younger stars to construct up their credibility within the sport.
Nevertheless, Shinya Aoki cautioned about this route, as he’s not within the enterprise of creating others well-known by mendacity down for them. In an interview with ONE Championship, Aoki mentioned:
“I really feel unhealthy for the opposite Japanese fighters. Individuals have not realized this vital half – I might do something to get the highlight. So when you’ve got a fighter you wish to promote, you should not guide the fighter with me. They may have their spotlights taken.”
His penchant for the spectacular was on full show in his final two bouts within the Circle, as he scored two first-round submissions. The primary of the 2 pushed him to not solely be the all-time submissions chief within the promotion, but additionally earned him the 2021 ONE Championship Submission of the 12 months.
Shinya Aoki to face a fellow legend at ONE X
At ONE X, Shinya Aoki is not going to be build up an up-and-coming star, as his opponent has a legendary resume of his personal.
The Japanese grappling star is ready to face off in opposition to Yoshihiro Akiyama on the 10-year anniversary present in a heated rivalry that has been months within the making.
Akiyama is a adorned judoka, profitable a gold medal within the Asian video games for each South Korea and Japan. Later, he transitioned to MMA, the place he competed in numerous promotions around the globe, together with the UFC.
After nearly twenty years within the sport, ‘Sexyama’ discovered his solution to ONE Championship in 2018 and ultimately ended up within the crosshairs of his fellow Japanese legend Aoki.
In late 2021, Aoki known as out Akiyama for allegedly refusing to struggle him. Akiyama countered by saying that an damage prevented him from competing, however Aoki insisted that he take the struggle in December.
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Whereas their goal date was moved, they’re lastly set to satisfy on the 10-year anniversary occasion on March 26.
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