Table of content
1. Shinya Aoki's Details
Name | Shinya Aoki |
Pro MMA Record | 47-10-0 |
Nickname | The Baka Survivor, Tobikan Judan |
Date of Birth | November 17, 1985 |
Nationality | Brazilian |
Born | Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil |
Height | 6’2 ft |
Weight | 77 Kg |
Stance | Wrestling Judo Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Shoot Fighting |
Last fight | N/A |
Weight Class | Light Weight Middleweight Welterweight Featherweight |
Rank | 3rd Degree Black Belt in Judo |
Career Disclosed Earnings | $133,638 USD |
Fought out of | Tanjong Katong, Singapore |
College/University | Waseda University |
Trainer/Coach | Yuki Nakari Chatri Sityodtong |
Team | Team Roken RJJ Evolve MMA Nippon Top Team Shooto Gym |
Foundation Style | Omoplata/ Heel Hook/ Southpaw |
Lineage | Mitsuyo Maeda -> Carlos Gracie Sr. -> Carlos Gracie Junior -> Yuki Nakai -> Shinya Aoki |
2. Shinya Aoki's Biography
Shinya Aoki, born on May 9th,1983 in Shizuoka, Japan, is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt under Yuki Nakai, amazing judo and mixed martial artist. He is one of the most famous grapplers to have ever competed in MMA. Shinya has won tremendous victories and championship titles with DREAM, WAMMA, and Shooto. He is currently ranked Number 2 in the ONE lightweight rankings. He is widely recognized as the #1 pound-for-pound MMA fighter in Asia.
Shinya Aoki is still constantly training and spends a lot of time at Evolve in Singapore.
2.1. Shinya Aoki's Early life and Amateur Fighting
How did he start?
Shinya began training in judo while still in high school in Shizuoka. The type of judo practiced at Aoki's school was more a Kosen Judo style, which focused on ground control and submissions. After graduating from high school, Shinya began training professionally. He continued his judo training at Waseda University, where he made significant progress and competed in competitions.
Grappling Career
Since his eagerness to grapple and go for submissions was against judo's strict rules and restrictions, Shinya developed an interest in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Sambo, and mixed martial arts (MMA) instead. He joined the Paraestra Gym, where he began his training under Yuki Nakai to further strengthen his grappling abilities.
Shinya Aoki's aggressiveness was an asset to his grappling game, and it was evident in the Reversal Cup in 2004 when Shinya dislocated his opponent's (Hironaka's) arm with a submission. Shinya's rapid progress in the grappling and mixed martial arts divisions earned him a position as an assistant trainer at the Paraestra Gym.
Shinya Aoki’s MMA Early Career
Shinya joined the Police Academy in March 2006 after graduating from university. Unfortunately for the sport of mixed martial arts, the strict discipline of the Japanese Police Force meant that Shinya would never likely compete again or, at the very least, it would be a long time before he could start again.
Photographs of Shinya practicing MMA at the TWIST gym went viral in an online blog after he had spent two months studying to become a law enforcement officer.
After a few weeks of conjecture, news spread that Sinya might be returning, leading Shinya to write on his blog,
“‘Back already?’ Since April, I have learned how crucial it is for me to live my life as a mixed martial artist after getting a taste of it in the real world.”
Shortly after, he secured a lucrative contract with Pride FC, one of the world's largest and most successful MMA companies. Shinya's fast-paced and submission-focused fighting style earned him a vast group of followers as a result of the event's huge coverage, soon rising in status as one of the world's top lightweight MMA fighters.
3.1. Shinya Aoki's Historic Fights
PRIDE Fighting Championships Debut
Shinya Aoki vs. Jason Black
During Pride Bushido 12, Shinya defeated American fighter Jason Black with a triangle choke in under two minutes, marking Shinya’s first professional victory and his PRIDE Fighting Championships debut.
Shinya Aoki vs. Gilbert Melendez Withdraw
Shinya Aoki vs. Clay French
Shinya’s next opponent went by the name of Clay French. Using a triangle choke, Shinya was able to subdue Clay in just under four minutes. Later in the evening, Melendez was shown among the crowd with his arm slung across his shoulder, stating that he would like to face Shinya at Pride Shockwave 2006 on New Year’s Eve. Shinya accepted the challenge.
The fight scheduled with Melendez did not take place for reasons that are still unknown.
Shinya Aoki Multiple Consecutive Victories
Soon after, Shinya faced a highly ranked lightweight fighter named Joachim Hansen, who he defeated by unanimous decision. Shinya finished Hansen with gogoplata, which was the second time the style had been used successfully in an MMA competition.
Following his victory over Hansen, Shinya was scheduled to face Kikuchi in Shooto for the Shooto Welterweight Title, which Aoki had won from Kikuchi. Shinya was successful in his championship defense against Kikuchi, winning by a narrow margin of one vote.
Upon his victory, Shinya declared that he will be representing Shooto in the upcoming Pride Lightweight Grand Prix event in Japan.
Shinya fought at Pride 34 where he faced a Dutch fighter Brian Lo-A-Njoe. Lo-A-Njoe was subdued by an armbar in the open round of the event. Shinya once again confirmed his inclusion in the Lightweight Grand Prix but due to Zuffa LLC’s takeover of the Pride by the majority of its owners, the PRIDE Lightweight Grand Prix was canceled.
Shinya Aoki vs. Calvan Cavalcante Withdraw
In November 2007, it was revealed that Shinya will be appearing on the New Year’s Eve MMA Card Yarennoke. Gesias “JZ Calvan” Cavalcante, a two-time K-1, Hero’s Middleweight Grand Prix Champion, was set to face Shinya in the main event. Two weeks before the fight, rumors arose that Cavalcante was injured. Cavalcante denied the rumors but soon before the fight, Calcavante admitted his injury and withdrew from the fight.
Cavalcante was replaced with a Korean Olympic judo silver medalist Jung Bu-Kyung. Shinya defeated him via unanimous decision. Despite promising to use a previously unseen submission technique in the encounter, Aoki was unable to complete the victory against the debuting fighter.
Dream - Mixed Martial Arts Promotions
Following Zuffa LLC’s takeover of Pride, the majority of Japanese fighters signed with newly formed Mixed Martial arts promotions, with Shinya signing with Dream Promotions.
Shinya Aoki vs. Calvan Cavalcante Replay
In March 2008, Shniya finally met Cavalcante in person for the first time, fighting in the opening round of the Dream 1: Lightweight Grand Prix tournament. Cavalcante used illegal elbow attacks to strike the rear of Aoki's neck, resulting in the referee stopping the fight early in the first round.
In response to the injury, the frontline doctor indicated that Shinya would be unable to continue and Cavalcante expressed regret for his actions. Following Dream regulations, elbow strikes to the neck and spine were prohibited. The bout ended in a draw as a result of a no contest. Later, it was confirmed that Shinya had suffered a concussion on the cervical vertebrae.
They had a rematch in April 2008 at Dream 2. Shinya won by unanimous decision over Cavalcante. He sustained a severely damaged rib and tore cartilage in his coastal area.
Shinya Aoki vs. Katchuhiko Nagat
At Dream 4, Shinya won over Katchuhiko Nagat using a mounted gogoplata submission to reach the semi-finals of the Dream Lightweight Grand Prix Tournament.
Shinya Aoki vs. Caol Uno and Joachim Hanen
At Dream 5, Shinya won the match against Caol Uno by a unanimous decision.
The same night, Shinya was set to fight Eddie Alvarez but his opponent had to withdraw due to an injury he sustained in the last match. Eddie Alvarez was replaced with Joachim Hanen and beat Shinya by TKO in the first round.
3.2. WAMMA Lightweight Championship
Shinya Aoki vs Eddie Alvarez
On New Year’s Eve, Shinya finally faced off against Eddie Alvarez for the WAMMA Lightweight Championship, which he won by unanimous decision. While Alvarez was able to secure his back after landing a kick, Aoki was forced to the canvas by the larger and more powerful American. While everyone was scrambling, Aoki hooked onto the bottom of Alvarez's foot and executed a heel hook. Alvarez attempted to resist the hold, but he was forced to submit as Aoki shifted his grip. He also sustained a ligament injury in his left knee.
Shinya Aoki vs David Gardner
In March 2009, Shinya defeated David Gardner at the Dream 7 Featherweight Grand Prix at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan.
This bout is remembered for Gardner yelling to the audience as Shinya was dominating from his back, “Hello, Japan!” As a result, Shinya was able to secure a rear-naked choke from that position.
Shinya Aoki vs Hayato Sakurai
In May 2009, Shinya was well known by Shooto as its Welterweight (168 pounds) Champion at the time and went back to fight in Dream’s Welterweight Grand Prix at Dream 8.
His first bout in the tournament was a rematch with Hayato Sakurai. In the first 27 seconds, Shinya lost the fight via TKO, Sakurai utilizing a reversal in response to a slam by Shinya, resulting in Shinya losing the fight via TKO.
Shinya Aoki vs Vitor Ribeiro
In 2009, at Dream 10, Shinya won against Vitor Ribeiro, granting him a chance at a title fight against Joachim Hansen.
Shinya Aoki vs. Joachim Hanen Rematch
In the rematch for the Dream Lightweight Championship 2009 at Dream 11, Shinya faced Joachim Hansen. Shinya became the new Dream Lightweight Champion after defeating Hansen in round 2 via submission.
Shinya Aoki vs. Mizuto Hirota
In December 2009, it was announced that Shinya will not be fighting against Tatsuya but against Mizuto Hirota, the Sengoku Lightweight Champion. The fight between both fighters was considered the match of the night as Shinya defeated Hirota with a brutal hammerlock (submission) that broke Hirota’s arm in round 1.
Strikeforce Lightweight Championship
In April 2010, at Strikeforce, Nashville, Shinya lost his U.S. debut against Gilbert Melendez (the Strikeforce Lightweight Champion at the time).
At Dream 15, in July 2010, Shinya successfully achieved his Lightweight Title against Tatsuya Kawajiri via an Achilles lock submission in just two minutes of round 1.
ONE Fighting Championship
In June 2011, Shinya Aoki signed a contract with ONE Championship. At ONE Fighting Championship: Pride of Nation in Manila, he would be making his first debut. Shinya fought against Arnaud Lepont in a lightweight super fight in the main event, Rise of Kings. He defeated Lepont via triangle choke in round 1.
In April 2013, Shinya faced Kotetsu Boku at Kings and Champions for the Lightweight Championship. He announced that he will step down from the Featherweight Division after the fight. Shinya won against Zorobabel Moreira via rear-naked choke in the second round.
In October 2018, Shinya made his featherweight debut at ONE FC: Total Domination when he fought against Cody Stevens and won via unanimous decision.
Returning to the Lightweight Division, Shinya achieved a victory in the Inoki-Bom-Ba-Ye promotion. In round 1 at ONE FC: Reign of Champions, Shinya defended his Lightweight Champion Title against Kamal Shalorus and again at ONE Championship 28: Warrior’s Quest in 2015 against Koji Ando.
- In November 2016, to defend his title for the third time, Shinya fought against Eduard Folayang. He lost the fight via TKO.
- In November 2017, Shinya battled against Ben Askren and lost the bout via TKO in the first round.
- In October 2018, Shinya fought for ONE Championship: Kingdom of Heroes against Ev Ting and won via arm triangle.
- In 2019, the previous victory secured him matches against Eduard Folayang and Amir Khan in a promotional event in Tokyo.
- In September 2020, at Road to One 3, Shinya battled against Kimihiro Eto and won the bout via unanimous decision.
- In January 2021, at ONE Championship: Unbreakable, he fought against former LFA Welterweight Champion James Nakashima and won via submission in round 1.
- In March 2022, at ONE Championship X, Shinya faced Yoshihiro Akiyama. Shinya lost the bout via TKO in round 2.
3.3. Shinya’s Controversial Fight
Shinya Aoki against Yoshihiro Akiyama
Shinya has publicly called out “Sexyama” multiple times in recent years, causing some tension between the two fighters.
In March 2022, Shinya Aoki and Yoshihiro Akiyama aka “Sexyama” fought in a lightweight battle at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, at ONE X: Grand Finale. Yoshihiro defeated the legendary grappler via TKO in round 2 of their battle.
3.4. Shinya Aoki’s Controversies
Shinya Aoki has received plenty of criticism from the MMA community for his unethical and disrespectful winnings, for causing needless injuries, and for his lack of empathy for his opponents.
Shinya was heavily criticized for breaking the arm of Keith Wisniewski by waki-gatame and repeating the same with Kuniyoshi Hironaka by flying armbar.
In 2009, Shinya won by breaking Mizuto Hirota’s arm brutally and giving the middle finger to the crowd and the opponent. He later apologized for it as many trainers from the MMA background found it offensive.
3.5. Shinya Aoki's Championships and Accomplishments
Submission Grappling
- ADDC Japan Winner
- Deep X Superfight Champion
- Shooto Grappling Champion
- Dumau/Kansai Cup Champion
- All Japan Jiu-jitsu Champion
- Rickson Gracie’s Budo Champion
- Rickson Gracie Invitational Champion
Mixed Martial Arts(MMA)
- DEEP West Chofu Winner
- DREAM Lightweight Champion
- ONE Lightweight Champion
- Shooto Middleweight Champion
- WAMMA Lightweight Champion
- 2x MMA Submission of the Year
- Grappler of the decade
- MMA Lightweight Champion
- Six Title Defenses
Professional Wrestling
- 3x DDT Extreme Champion
- 3x Ironman Heavymetalweight Champion
- 1x KO-D 8-Man Tag Team Champion
4. Shinya Aoki's Main Achievements
Year | Event | Position/Achievement |
---|---|---|
2007 | Deep X Superfight | Champion |
2006 | Budo Challenge | Champion |
2006 | Shooto Grappling | Champion |
2005 | Damau/Kansai Cup | Champion |
2005 | ADCC Japan Trial | Champion |
2004 | Reversal Cup | Champion |
2004 | All Japan | Champion |
5. Shinya Aoki's Main Achievements
Year | Event | Belt/Weight | Position/Achievement |
---|---|---|---|
2005 | All Japan Jiu-Jitsu | Black Belt | Champion |
2004 | All Japan Jiu-Jitsu | Brown Belt | Champion |
6. Shinya Aoki's Professional Record Breakdown
6.1. Mixed Martial Arts Record
Professional Record Breakdown | ||
---|---|---|
58 Matches | 47 Wins | 10 Losses |
By Submission | 31 | 0 |
By Knockout | 3 | 8 |
By Decision | 11 | 2 |
By Advantages | 0 | 0 |
Other | 0 | 0 |
By OT | 0 | 0 |
By DQ | 2 | 0 |
No Contests | 1 |
6.2. Mixed Rules Record
Professional Record Breakdown | ||
---|---|---|
1 Match | 0 Wins | 1 Loss |
By Knockout | 0 | 1 |
6.3. Shinya Aoki's MMA Fights history
Submission Grappling Record
Year | Event | Opponent | W/L/D | Method | Weight Class |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2020 | Road to ONE 2nd: Aoki vs Sera | Tomoshige Sera | D | Decision | N/A |
2018 | ONE Championship: Kings of Courage | Marat Gafurov | W | Submission (rear-naked choke) | N/A |
2017 | ONE Championship: Dynasty of Heroes | Garry Tonon | L | Submission (heel hook) | N/A |
2013 | Metamoris II: Gracie vs Aoki | Kron Gracie | L | Submission (guillotine choke) | N/A |
2007 | DEEP X | Pedro Akira | W | Submission (rear-naked choke) | N/A |
2006 | Budo Challenge | Cameron Earle | W | Submission (ankle hold) | –77 kg |
2006 | Budo Challenge | Ali Abdelaziz | W | Submission (armbar) | –77 kg |
2006 | Shooto | Hiroshi Tsuruya | W | Submission (gogoplata) | N/A |
2005 | Professional Jiu Kansai | Naoyoshi Watanabe | W | Decision (points) | N/A |
2005 | ADCC | Roger Gracie | L | Submission (ankle hold) | Absolute |
2005 | ADCC | Marcelo García | L | Submission | –77 kg |
2005 | ADCC | Marcos Avellan | W | Submission | –77 kg |
2005 | ADCC Japan Qualifiers | Masato Fujiwara | W | Submission (armbar) | N/A |
2005 | ADCC Japan Qualifiers | Mateus Irie Nechio | W | Submission (heel hook) | N/A |
2005 | ADCC Japan Qualifiers | Jung Changyoru | W | Submission (spinning choke) | N/A |
2004 | Campeonato Japonés de Jiu-Jitsu Abierto |
Koji Komuro | W | Submission (flying armbar) | N/A |
2004 | COPA Reversal 〜Festa do Jiu-Jitsu |
Kuniyoshi Hironaka | W | Submission (flying armbar) | N/A |
2004 | Professional Jiu Ground Impact 〜Gi-05〜Midday War |
Naoyoshi Watanabe | L | Decision (points) | N/A |
6.4. Shinya Aoki's Mixed Martial Arts Fight History
Year | Event | Opponent | W/L/D | Method | Weight Class |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2022 | ONE: X | Yoshihiro Akiyama | L | TKO (punches) | N/A |
2021 | ONE on TNT 4 | Eduard Folayang | W | Submission (armbar) | N/A |
2021 | ONE: Unbreakable | James Nakashima | W | Submission (rear-naked choke) |
N/A |
2020 | Road to ONE 3: Tokyo Fight Night |
Kimihiro Eto | W | Decision (unanimous) | N/A |
2019 | ONE: Century Part 2 | Honorio Banario | W | Submission (D’Arce choke) | N/A |
2019 | ONE: Enter the Dragon | Christian Lee | L | TKO (punches) | Lightweight |
2019 | ONE: A New Era | Eduard Folayang | W | Technical Submission (arm-triangle choke) |
Lightweight |
2018 | ONE: Kingdom of Heroes | Ev Ting | W | Submission (arm-triangle choke) |
N/A |
2018 | ONE: Reign Of Kings | Shannon Wiratchai | W | TKO (punches and elbows) | N/A |
2018 | ONE: Unstoppable Dreams | Rasul Yakhyaev | W | Submission (triangle choke) |
N/A |
2017 | ONE: Immortal Pursuit | Ben Askren | L | TKO (punches) | Welterweight |
2016 | ONE: Defending Honor | Eduard Folayang | L | TKO (knees and punches) | Lightweight |
2015 | Rizin Fighting Federation 1 | Kazushi Sakuraba | W | TKO (corner stoppage) | Welterweight |
2015 | ONE: Warrior's Quest | Koji Ando | W | Decision (unanimous) | Lightweight |
2014 | Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye 2014 | Yuki Yamamoto | W | Submission (twister) | N/A |
2014 | ONE FC: Reign of Champions | Kamal Shalorus | W | Submission (rear-naked choke) | Lightweight |
2013 | Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye 2013 | Toshikatsu Harada | W | Technical Submission (triangle armbar) |
Lightweight |
2013 | ONE FC: Total Domination | Cody Stevens | W | Decision (unanimous) | Featherweight |
2013 | ONE FC: Kings and Champions | Kotetsu Boku | W | Submission (rear-naked choke) |
lightweight |
2012 | DREAM 18 | Antonio McKee | W | TKO (submission to punch) | N/A |
2012 | ONE FC: Rise of Kings | Arnaud Lepont | W | Technical Submission (triangle choke) |
N/A |
2012 | Bellator 66 | Eddie Alvarez | L | TKO (punches) | N/A |
2011 | Fight For Japan: Genki Desu Ka Omisoka 2011 |
Satoru Kitaoka | W | Decision (unanimous) | Lightweight |
2011 | DREAM 17 | Rob McCullough | W | Submission (neck crank) | N/A |
2011 | DREAM: Fight for Japan! | Rich Clementi | W | Submission (neck crank) | N/A |
2011 | Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Daley | Lyle Beerbohm | W | Submission (neck crank) | N/A |
2010 | DEEP: 50 Impact | Yokthai Sithoar | W | Submission (keylock) | N/A |
2010 | DREAM 16 | Marcus Aurélio | W | Decision (unanimous) | N/A |
2010 | DREAM 15 | Tatsuya Kawajiri | W | Submission (Achilles lock) | Lightweight |
2010 | Strikeforce: Nashville | Gilbert Melendez | L | Decision (unanimous) | N/A |
2009 | Dynamite!! The Power of Courage 2009 |
Mizuto Hirota | W | Technical Submission (hammerlock) |
Lightweight |
2009 | DREAM 11 | Joachim Hansen | W | Submission (armbar) | Lightweight |
2009 | DREAM 10 | Vítor Ribeiro | W | Decision (unanimous) | Welterweight |
2009 | DREAM 8 | Hayato Sakurai | L | KO (knees and punches) | Catchweight |
2009 | DREAM 7 | David Gardner | W | Submission (rear-naked choke) | Lightweight |
2008 | Fields Dynamite!! 2008 | Eddie Alvarez | W | Submission (heel hook) | N/A |
2008 | DREAM 6: Middleweight Grand Prix 2008 Final Round |
Todd Moore | W | Submission (neck crank) | Lightweight |
2008 | DREAM 5: Lightweight Grand Prix 2008 Final Round |
Joachim Hansen | L | TKO (punches) | Lightweight |
2008 | DREAM 5: Lightweight Grand Prix 2008 Final Round |
Caol Uno | W | Decision (unanimous) | Lightweight |
2008 | DREAM 4: Middleweight Grand Prix 2008 Second Round |
Katsuhiko Nagata | W | Submission (gogoplata) | Lightweight |
2008 | DREAM 2: Middleweight Grand Prix 2008 First Round |
Gesias Cavalcante | W | Decision (unanimous) | Lightweight |
2008 | DREAM 1: Lightweight Grand Prix 2008 First Round |
Gesias Cavalcante | NC | NC (illegal elbows) | N/A |
2007 | Yarennoka! | Jung Bu-Kyung | W | Decision (unanimous) | N/A |
2007 | PRIDE 34: Kamikaze | Brian Lo-A-Njoe | W | Submission (armbar) | Middleweight |
2007 | Shooto: Back To Our Roots 1 | Akira Kikuchi | W | Decision (split) | N/A |
2006 | PRIDE FC: Shockwave 2006 | Joachim Hansen | W | Submission (gogoplata) | N/A |
2006 | PRIDE Bushido 13 | Clay French | W | Submission (flying triangle choke) |
N/A |
2006 | Shooto: Champion Carnival | George Sotiropoulos | W | DQ (groin kick) | N/A |
2006 | PRIDE Bushido 12 | Jason Black | W | Submission (triangle choke) |
N/A |
2006 | Shooto: The Victory of the Truth |
Akira Kikuchi | W | Decision (unanimous) | Middleweight |
2005 | Shooto 2005: 11/6 in Korakuen Hall |
Kuniyoshi Hironaka | W | TKO (doctor stoppage) | N/A |
2005 | Shooto: Alive Road | Hayato Sakurai | L | Decision (unanimous) | N/A |
2005 | Shooto 2005: 7/30 in Korakuen Hall | Shigetoshi Iwase | W | DQ (groin strike) | N/A |
2005 | Shooto: 1/29 in Korakuen Hall |
Keith Wisniewski | W | Technical Submission (standing armlock) |
N/A |
2004 | DEEP: 16th Impact | Jutaro Nakao | L | KO (punch) | N/A |
2004 | DEEP: 15th Impact | Seichi Ikemoto | W | Submission (armbar) | N/A |
2003 | Deep: clubDeep West Chofu |
Yasutoshi Ryu | W | Submission (armbar) | N/A |
2003 | N/A | Dai Okimura | W | Submission (armbar) | N/A |
7. Video Links
Shinya Aoki’s Top 5 Fights | ONE Full Fights
Shinya Aoki vs. James Nakashima | ONE Championship Full Fight
Shinya Aoki vs Eddie Alvarez
Dream2 Shinya Aoki vs. JZ Calvan II
Christian Lee vs. Shinya Aoki | ONE: Full Fight | Passing The Torch | May 2019
Photo credit: @evolve-mma , @shinya050983
Leave a comment
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.