Shinya Aoki says there is more to gain with ONE FC than with UFC

Fri Dec 20, 2013 9:27 pm

A while back, the "Tobikan Judan" made headlines when he turned down an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) contract offer, citing there were "favorable economics" in ONE FC.

That statement alone could raise a few eyebrows when it comes to the salary of certain fighters who live off this sport; however, Aoki explained his reasoning a little more clearer.

Aoki (via Cagewriter) talked about how his current promotion values him, and the opportunities that he has in Asia, being one of the continent's most popular fighters.

"ONE FC has taken care of me. They've treated me well. I know the fighters there and I'm comfortable in ONE FC. I think I have more to gain from fighting there."

Based on Aoki's previous comments, it is no surprise that he is hinting at a money issue. Aoki is a household name overseas and while many stateside fans should know who he is, there is no guarantee that the former Dream and Shooto champion would be at the top of the pecking order.

His stardom could be somewhat affected if he jumped ship to UFC.

"I'm happy that any fans from anywhere would watch me fight. I'm honored that they are watching but it isn't my goal to appeal to everybody."

Another reason could be that on American soil, Aoki has memories that he would like to forget.

Apart from a submission win over Lyle Beerbohm at Strikeforce: "Diaz vs. Daley" in 2011, Aoki challenged both Gilbert Melendez and Eddie Alvarez in Strikeforce and Bellator, respectively, and those were two big opportunities to make an impact with newer fans who may have not been familiar with him.

He was outclassed in the Melendez fight over the course of five rounds, and then two years later (with the Beerbohm win in between), Alvarez made quick work of him at Bellator 66 with a stoppage victory due to strikes in just over two minutes.

Aoki's last win was over Cody Stevens at ONE FC 11: "Total Domination," in which he successfully made his featherweight debut. Aoki moves back to lightweight to face Toshikatsu Harada at Inoki Boom-Ba-Ye 2013, which takes place December 31, 2013.

http://www.mmamania.com/2013/12/20/5228170/one-fcs-shinya-aoki-feels-there-is-more-to-gain-with-current

Well it's well known he turned down a contract in favor of onefc so this should come as no surprise.

IMO he's right he will gain more money because he's about as big of a jmma star their is right now but I don't think that stardom would translate into ufc.
Also he's right in that he will gain more wins in onefc and I don't feel his luck would be so great in ufc.

He could sub all the ufc low and most of mid tier talent but I don't see him being champ or title contender in ufc.

So really he made the right move for jmma(couldn't afford to lost anymore stars)& overall his career and pocket book.

Sat Dec 21, 2013 5:59 pm

Aoki knows what´s up.

Sat Dec 21, 2013 6:32 pm

I find it hilarious the shills that constantly say Aoki is "ducking" the UFC's division. Aoki has fought more dangerous fighters than almost any active lightweight in the UFC. He's faced countless wrestlers and grinders as well as KO artists - why would he all of a sudden be scared of anyone?

OneFC and Aoki are perfect for each other.

Sat Dec 21, 2013 7:19 pm

I don't think he's ducking anyone he's just making better pay as a (star) in one rather then have to grind up rankings in ufc.

While I would agree he's fought some formidable opponents it isn't a stretch to say he was OWNED by Gilbert and Eddie(no shame in that)

In ufc he would make for great fights but he wouldn't be champion that's just reality of things.

He's one dimensional while he's like Ben askren in that his one dimension is extremely good but his striking isn't good at all.

Mon Dec 23, 2013 3:54 am

Mikal wrote:I find it hilarious the shills that constantly say Aoki is "ducking" the UFC's division. Aoki has fought more dangerous fighters than almost any active lightweight in the UFC. He's faced countless wrestlers and grinders as well as KO artists - why would he all of a sudden be scared of anyone?

OneFC and Aoki are perfect for each other.

Sadly, you know the score. If you don't compete in the UFC then you don't matter. If you turn down a contract then you're "ducking". Can't stand shills and zuffa zombies.

Aoki has beat Hansen, Kawajiri, JZ, Hirota, Boku, McCullough, Alverez, and Uno. Why would he be scared to fight Pettis or Henderson? Granted Aoki is one-dimensional but I don't think he's scared. For all we know, ONE FC is probably paying him very good money and he just moved to Singapore.

Mon Dec 23, 2013 4:24 am

fka wrote:I don't think he's ducking anyone he's just making better pay as a (star) in one rather then have to grind up rankings in ufc.

While I would agree he's fought some formidable opponents it isn't a stretch to say he was OWNED by Gilbert and Eddie(no shame in that)

In ufc he would make for great fights but he wouldn't be champion that's just reality of things.

He's one dimensional while he's like Ben askren in that his one dimension is extremely good but his striking isn't good at all.

Aoki subbed Eddie and can do it again. In their last fight Aoki was foolishly reckless in the stand up and paid for it.

Mon Dec 23, 2013 4:51 am

^ you could say the same about Eddie in their.first fight too, though.

Mon Dec 23, 2013 4:58 am

wekka wrote:^ you could say the same about Eddie in their.first fight too, though.

My point is we don´t know who´s the better fighter. Some people act like Eddie is on another level than Aoki.

Tue Dec 24, 2013 2:38 am

ONE FC needs to switch to the ring. the cage is the symbol of the UFC.

Tue Dec 24, 2013 2:47 am

EVILYOSHIDA wrote:ONE FC needs to switch to the ring. the cage is the symbol of the UFC.

I'm glad you share the same thoughts and opinions as the majority of us on this site.

Tue Dec 24, 2013 3:09 am

yeah. to me it's obvious. evilyoshida.com people think the same way.

It seems that ONE FC is going for a half n/ half approach.. and I dont' think that works.

PRIDE HAD THE MODEL. you just need the right backers. unfortunately I think onefc is deeply hooked up with western business so they probably requested the cage.

the cage is inferior in so many ways. it favors the bigger man. horrible view and it just looks junky.

the Ring is like a simulated open space as the ropes have give. better view and it looks classier.

Tue Dec 24, 2013 2:04 pm

He's doing what he feels is best for his family.

I respect and admire that.

Tue Dec 24, 2013 6:32 pm

EVILYOSHIDA wrote: “ ONE FC needs to switch to the ring. the cage is the symbol of the UFC.

Cage is symbol of western mma which is the version of mma that is selling.

One is merely doing what it can to bring in western viewers and coverage.

I agree one should use ring because its supposed to be an ASIAN style mma but honestly one has been a whole lot of talk and no action.

One fc isn't the org to rebuild jmma from the ground up just my thought.

I like ring in jmma but I do like jmma guys using cages too so no excuse when they fight in America.

I prefer cage in American mma as it has been since the beginning and I don't think cage obstructs view(been to many live events of both ring/cage both view equally well).

Evil yoshida what do you think of the m-1 rage? IMO best of both and gives both versions of mma an equal battlefield to play out in.

I've heard cages favor wrestlers but never bigger guys how so?

The favoring wrestler thing is a myth as many non wrestlers use cage to get up and avoid takedowns.

The not favoring strikers because its too open and u can't trap a Guy in a corner is a BS excuses IMO

Cage allows fir strikers to circle properly and sprawl in greater effect and IMO a world class striker can trap you and hold you in place with feints and actual strikes don't need a corner.

Shinya Aoki says there is more to gain with ONE FC than with UFC

Shinya Aoki says there is more to gain with ONE FC than with UFC

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