Japanese MMA legend Shinya Aoki will make a surprise return to ONE Championship action when he faces compatriot Hiroyuki Tetsuka at ONE 173 in Tokyo.
The 42-year-old former ONE lightweight world champion had hinted at retirement after submitting Eduard Folayang in their fourth bout at ONE 172 in March – a symbolic moment that many believed marked the end of one of Asia’s greatest MMA careers.
But the ‘Tobikan Judan’ isn’t done yet. He’ll be back in front of a home crowd at Ariake Arena on November 16, when the promotion returns to Japan with a stacked card featuring seven world title fights.
Aoki (48-11, 1 NC) has long been regarded as one of the best submission artists in MMA history. The veteran grappler will now face a powerful striker and dangerous grappler himself in Tetsuka (14-6), who was on a five-fight win streak in ONE before losing his last two outings.
The matchup comes after speculation that Aoki would instead face Tye Ruotolo – the reigning ONE welterweight submission grappling world champion, who recently made his successful MMA debut by defeating Adrian Lee at lightweight.
Ruotolo had teased on social media that he had signed to fight at ONE 173, leading fans to believe a crossover bout with Aoki was in the works.
The Bangkok Post understands that fight had indeed been discussed, but plans have since shifted, with Ruotolo expected to face a new opponent yet to be announced.
Aoki, meanwhile, will stay in familiar territory against a domestic foe in what promises to be a crowd-pleasing all-Japan lightweight MMA clash.
ONE 173 will also feature Rodtang Jitmuangnon vs Nong-O Gaiyanghadao for the vacant flyweight Muay Thai title, Superbon vs Masaaki Noiri for the featherweight kickboxing crown, and Jonathan Haggerty vs Nabil Anane for the bantamweight Muay Thai belt.
For Aoki, though, the focus is on one more run – and one more chance to showcase the relentless grappling game that made him a legend.