In a thrilling finale to his storied career, Shinya Aoki delivered yet another stellar performance in Japan, this time claiming victory over his old rival, Eduard Folayang. The match, part of the ONE 172 event, showcased Aoki’s enduring talent as he triumphed with a precise armbar submission in just 53 seconds.
When the bell rang, Aoki wasted no time, swiftly executing a double-leg takedown. Although Folayang defended well initially, Aoki expertly transitioned into a guard, pulling Folayang to the ground. From there, it was only moments before Aoki secured his signature armbar, leaving ‘Landslide’ with no option but to concede defeat. This win marks Aoki’s third consecutive triumph over Folayang, all concluded with first-round submissions.
With this victory, Aoki improved his head-to-head record against Folayang to 3-1, with each win featuring his masterful submission skills on full display. Although Aoki removed his gloves post-fight, signaling a potential end to his fighting days, he refrained from making an official retirement announcement. Fans are now eagerly awaiting an update on Aoki’s future plans.
The official bout result listed Shinya Aoki as the victor over Eduard Folayang via armbar submission at just 53 seconds into Round 1.
The fight drew considerable attention online as ONE Championship shared highlight clips, celebrating Aoki’s legendary technique. It was clear that Aoki, known as ‘Tobikan Judan,’ left an indelible mark on the sport, closing the chapter on his rivalry with Folayang in dramatic fashion. As fans ponder what’s next for the MMA icon, many expressed admiration and gratitude for the thrilling highlights and unforgettable moments Aoki brought to the sport.
For those who missed the anxiously awaited ONE 172 matchups due to technical difficulties, ONE Championship acknowledged the issue and has promised email updates to access the remaining fights.
