Shinya Aoki: "I'm Better And Capable Of Beating UFC Fighters"

**Conde Koma** · Posted On: 10/17/2009 2:04am

Originally Posted by Zaii

but has no one ever leaned over to him and quietly suggested, "hey, you're a pro fighter competing at a world class level, maybe wanna think about getting a striking skill set...like uhh.....sometime .....ever?"

So far, he's never had to. The talent pool he's been competing in doesn't challenge him enough for him to do so. Throw him in the UFC with the amazing wrestlers and GnPers, and he'll pick it up.

**PointyShinyBurn** · Posted On: 10/17/2009 5:49am

Originally Posted by Zaii

but has no one ever leaned over to him and quietly suggested, "hey, you're a pro fighter competing at a world class level, maybe wanna think about getting a striking skill set...like uhh.....sometime .....ever?"

He trained in Thailand before his fight with Shaolin and proceeded to win a decision (just about) by kick-boxing him...

**Zaii** · Posted On: 10/17/2009 4:44pm

In my opinion that fight demonstrated a Shaolin off his game rather any kind of impressive striking display from Aoki. Not to mention it was a snorefest. I like Aoki, but I think he's one dimensional, or at least doesn't really display his entire range.

**M-Tri** · Posted On: 10/17/2009 5:16pm

Originally Posted by Blue Negation

BJ Penn has never had to deal with someone with leglocks like Aoki. Aoki has mentioned that he believes American fighters don't know leglocks well, so he'd probably go for them.

I can see Aoki winning by leglock. Maybe not anything else.

trying to leglock BJ Penn in UFC would be a fatal mistake.lol

**Blue Negation** · Posted On: 10/17/2009 9:16pm

Originally Posted by M-Tri

trying to leglock BJ Penn in UFC would be a fatal mistake.lol

I guess we might see.

I see no reason that leglocks would be any more risky than armlocks or triangles or whatever versus BJ. If anything, he's probably faced them a lot less.

People said that trying to leglock Gomi would be stupid, too...

**PizDoff** · Posted On: 10/20/2009 12:26pm

Originally Posted by DaeHan

Aoki is a top of the food chain fighter, no question. But the UFC is... the UFC.

And every UFC fighter that went to Pride did wonderfully well?

My argument may be flawed, since there are a lot of other factors, but you need to realize that there are many top-10 mixed martial arts fighters that aren't known to North American audiences that have no signed with the UFC for multiple reasons.

**UpaLumpa** · Posted On: 10/23/2009 7:45pm

Originally Posted by Blue Negation

I see no reason that leglocks would be any more risky than armlocks or triangles or whatever versus BJ. If anything, he's probably faced them a lot less.

Really? I mean you really don't see anything riskier?
Really?

**Blue Negation** · Posted On: 10/23/2009 7:50pm

Originally Posted by UpaLumpa

Really? I mean you really don't see anything riskier?
Really?

I'm not sure I follow...

If you're asking what I think would be riskier than leglocks for Aoki: Trading punches with Penn will put him out shortly, I think.

**UpaLumpa** · Posted On: 10/24/2009 1:25pm

You suggested that trying for leg locks was no more risky than trying for arm bars.

I find that a highly questionable assertion.

**mmafan3450** · Posted On: 10/24/2009 2:05pm

Aoki is going to have trouble taking down BJ, Griffin, Sherk, Guida and his standup is laughable in comparison. I think he also lacks the intensity, explosiveness and stamina to be able to keep up with the quality of fighters found at the top of the LW division. I dont see him going far in the UFC.