Ageing Aoki vows to surprise Ruotolo

Shinya Aoki has faced some of the best competitors in the world over the last 20 years, but at One 157: Petchmorakot vs Vienot tomorrow, the Japanese veteran will welcome the next generation to the One Championship circle.

Aoki will take on teen Brazilian jiu-jitsu phenom Kade Ruotolo in a submission grappling match at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

It will undoubtedly be an intriguing battle of youth and experience, and “Tobikan Judan,” who competed in One’s first-ever submission grappling match against Garry “The Lion Killer” Tonon in 2017, is well aware that anything can happen after the opening bell rings.

“[I’m] just going to fight as usual. I think Kade’s an amazing athlete. He’s strong in every aspect. [But] people see that I’m the underdog and a lot of people favour Kade. You never know what’s going to happen until you actually fight on the mat. So, we’ll see,” Aoki said.

The Tokyo native’s record speaks for itself. He has 58 fights to his name with 47 wins, and 30 of those victories have come via submission, so he knows how to get the job done on the mat.

On top of that, Aoki has held the One lightweight world championship twice and has 11 finishes inside the circle.

His upcoming opponent, Ruotolo, is an acclaimed BJJ champion who has been training in the sport since he was three years old.

Now 19, the rising star has already made a name for himself in the IBJJF circuit and has won the acclaimed EBI championship.

Aoki knows that Ruotolo will be eager to make a name for himself in One by taking out a legend in his debut and that age will most likely play a role in the outcome.

Nonetheless, he is delighted to be back in the sport that he loves, and he’s ready to make his young foe work for the result he’s hoping for.

“Kade’s super young and he’s like, I think 20 years younger than me. So that just makes my heartbeat. I’m excited. The preparation went well, and I’m in good condition,” Aoki said.

One 157: Petchmorakot vs Vienot will be live on AIS Play from 4pm tomorrow.