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It looks like we have ourselves another entry to the Brazilian jiu-jitsu versus Sambo rivalry, as former ONE lightweight world champion Shinya Aoki will share the Circle against fourth-ranked lightweight contender Saygid Izagakhmaev at ONE 163 on November 19.
The thrilling development came from the promotion's Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong himself during his appearance at the ONE Championship x Abema Press Conference on Monday.
Considering this match pits two of the best grapplers in the promotion right now, Sityodtong couldn’t hide his excitement for what could possibly be a title-eliminator match in the 155-pound ranks. Sityodtong said at the presser:
“I think Shinya Aoki vs. Saygid Izagakhmaev is going to be a phenomenal fight. I’m very, very excited. I think this fight is going to [end in a finish]. I think either Saygid is going to finish Shinya, or Shinya is going to finish Saygid. I don’t think this fight is going to go the distance. These are two of the very, very best grapplers in the world.”
Aoki, of course, needs no introduction, given his status as one of the best submission specialists in mixed martial arts. A veteran of over 50 fights, ‘Tobikan Judan’ has 12 wins inside the Circle, with 10 of those coming by way of spectacular finishes.
The 39-year-old legend will be looking to bounce back from his previous performance after succumbing to Yoshihiro Akiyama this past March. However, his next bout won’t be a walk in the park either, as Izagakhmaev has proven to be the real deal.
The 28-year-old Dagestani wrestler is no longer just “Khabib Nurmagomedov’s protege” and has carved his own path after back-to-back wins inside the Circle. He made a huge statement by choking out James Nakashima earlier this year and followed that with a dominant beatdown of Zhang Lipeng last September.
Sityodtong further added:
“I’m very excited for this match-up. This is very interesting. Grappler vs grappler, best of the best, definitely a submission finish.”
Watch the full press conference below:
ONE 163 is coming along nicely
Aside from the guaranteed fireworks that Aoki and Izagakhmaev will bring, ONE 163 already has several other bangers lined up.
The massive card will be headlined by Hiroki Akimoto’s first title defense of his bantamweight kickboxing world title against Petchtanong Petchfergus inside the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
Some of the best Japanese fighters in the promotion are slated to fight as well, including Yushin Okami, who will be taking on former two-division world champion Aung La N Sang. A massive women’s atomweight bout between Itsuki Hirata and Ham Seo Hee could determine the next contender for Angela Lee’s crown.
Lastly, Yuka Wakamatsu would love to return to the winning track against the ‘Dynamic’ Woo Sung Hoon.
