ONE Championship's Best Individual Performances Through First Quadrimestre Of 2019

#6 Shinya Aoki Defeats Eduard Folayang at ONE: A NEW ERA

Aoki had worked his way back into position to challenge for the title, and he made good on his opportunity

The Japanese legend went through a rough period in his career from late 2016 into 2017. He lost two bouts in a row; the first cost him his title as Eduard Folayang stopped him to win the ONE Lightweight World Title.

Fast forward to 31 March in Aoki's native Japan, with Folayang now in his second run as champion. Aoki had worked his way back into position to challenge for the title, and he made good on his opportunity.

In the very first round, Aoki implemented his dominant grappling and submission game to put Folayang to sleep, and to earn back his championship. Aoki became the second two-time lightweight champion, and the win solidified him as one of the greatest martial artists in ONE Championship history.