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ONE lightweight contender Shinya Aoki is preparing for his upcoming matchup with fellow top-five foe Saygid Izagakhmaev at ONE 163. In the lead-up, Aoki has voiced confidence in himself for being at the top of his class.
The Japanese MMA legend has been competing against ONE's cream of the crop for a decade, even winning lightweight gold on two different occasions. At this point, Aoki considers himself in a class all by himself.
In an exclusive conversation with ONE Championship, 'Tobikan Judan' had this to say about where he ranks amongst the greatest Japanese fighters ever:
"I don't care too much about rankings. In my opinion, everyone is different and there is only one Shinya Aoki. I am in my own class of fighters."
The No. 5-ranked lightweight has a pivitol bout coming up on November 19. He'll look to rebound after losing lost his previous bout to Yoshihiro Akiyama in March.
Shinya Aoki isn't finished fighting just yet
Despite his advanced age and long-tenured career, Aoki is still having a blast competing on the world stage.
The Japanese star suggested that as long as he's enjoying his craft, he won't stop planning a continued future in the sport.
“For now, it’s still really fun, and I’m enjoying this sport. And I can still see my future as well. At training, I feel my energy is not as much compared to when I was younger. The thing I was able to do multiple times in one training a few years ago, I can only do once now. So, every single training is really precious for me and so fun. I want to have fun because I cannot do so many times. If I cannot enjoy this, I will quit…”
'Tobikan Judan' takes great pride in being one of the leading figures in Asian mixed martial arts. Much has to do with his success, but it's the way he fights that makes people become fans. In fact, Aoki has finished nearly 75% of his professional fights inside the distance.
Shinya Aoki has taken part in several memorable moments over the years, including his win over Kotetsu Boku in 2013 to win the lightweight world title.
Check out the legend's top five finishes below, courtesy of ONE:
