Shinya Aoki not wary of Askren’s wrestling: 'It's not about the style of martial arts'

SINGAPORE - Former ONE lightweight champion Shinya Aoki is not worried about Ben Askren’s renowned wrestling style when they meet for the ONE welterweight title match, which is the main event of ‘ONE: Immortal Pursuit’ on November 24 at Singapore Indoor Stadium in Singapore.

Aoki, 34, is touted by many as the greatest mixed martial arts fighter to come out of Asia.

He has nothing but praises for Askren, but says he’s out to snatch the world title from his former Olympian teammate.

“Ben Askren is a spectacular martial artist. He is an athlete that I really respect. He has his own goal for his career, and I have mine as well,” says Aoki. “I am here to win another belt in ONE Championship and redeem myself in front of the world.”

Not only that Aoki is going up in weight to challenge Askren, but he’ll also have to overcome the champion’s wrestling technique which experts point out to be the kryptonite of Jiu-Jitsu in a mixed martial arts fight.

The Japanese MMA legend, however, is unfazed and cites that the upcoming fight is hardly a matchup of styles.

“I want to win again. I am not satisfied yet. I am very determined to win this next bout of mine. I never turn down a match. I am here to face the best,” told Aoki. “It's not about the style of martial arts, it's not judo or jiu-jitsu versus wrestling, it's Shinya Aoki versus Ben Askren.” — BAP, GMA News