About Shinya Aoki
Most excellent MMA competitors have a reputation for something. Maybe it’s a fantastic overhand right (Chuck Liddell). Maybe it’s their consistent ability to impose their will when the game is on the line (Randy Couture). Maybe it’s unconventional and even a little amazing kicks (Anthony Pettis). However, most fighters need to be more than one-trick ponies if they want to succeed at the highest levels of the sport. While it’s true that Couture excelled in the clinch, he was also an excellent opponent to put on one’s back and beat up. Yes, Liddell was a master of the overhand right, but he was also a master of takedown defense. Pettis isn’t simply a flamboyant striker; he can also hypnotize you with deft ground submissions.
In other words, it’s uncommon to come across an exceptional fighter these days who can get by on just one item. But we do have that with Shinya Aoki.
One of the best submission fighters of all time is Aoki. Once he gets on the canvas, he is quite amazing; if you will, he is a submission waiting to happen. He is not, however, a top striker.
But in the end, neither that nor his opponents’ incessant tapping have really mattered to him. This is his tale.
Date of Birth: Shinya Aoki was born on May 9, 1983 in Shizuoka City, Japan.
Fighting Organization:
Aoki fights for the ONE Fighting Championship organization.
Martial Arts Background:
Aoki holds black belts in both Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and judo.
Beginnings of MMA
On November 24, 2003, at Deep: clubDeep West Chofu, Aoki made his professional MMA debut by armbar against Dai Okimura. He actually began his career with a 7-2 record while fighting for Deep and Shooto, taking home the Shooto Welterweight Championship belt along the way. In addition, four of the victories were obtained through submission. Aoki finally made the switch to the PRIDE Fighting Championships at that point.
PRIDE Combat
Prior to the PRIDE organization’s demise, Aoki competed four times for them, winning each of his fights via submission. The most well-known of those victories was the gogoplata victory versus Joachim Hansen.
Combative Style
On his feet, Aoki is often compared to legendary Brazilian Jiu Jitsu warriors like Royce Gracie. He merely strikes in an effort to force a ground battle. He will also pull your guard to get you to the canvas.
Since you’re in his world once you’re on the ground, where a submission might put a stop to your night at any time, It doesn’t matter if you’re off his back or on top. The most lethal submission fighter there is is Aoki. The aggressive manner in which he attempts submissions, though, distinguishes him from the majority of BJJ practitioners.
