Shinya Aoki on differences between Japanese and American MMA

[smoogy]

Another great find by World MMA

Shinya Aoki gives his thoughts on American MMA

His image of US MMA: "First, the cage. Then, elbows. And, it's very athletic."

"They have places to train standing and on the ground, all at the same "mega-gym"-type place. That's something Japan really doesn't have. That's amazing, right! They have [so much] mat space, a weight area, cage, ring, sandbags. The kinda gym with all that stuff doesn't exist in Japan. And also, there is such a huge population of competing fighters, so they get very good."

"I don't think that the US is the top in MMA, but more like they became the leader of a new MMA trend. The UFC is to MMA as 109 is to Shibuya [see note below]. Japanese MMA would be more like Yokohama. It is a bit far from the heart of the city, and occasionally you see strong-looking foreigners out there on dates."

Note: (109 is a department store in Shibuya in Tokyo where girl's fashion trends start for a certain type of style that emanates through Japan. It is also a hotspot for male tourists to visit because of the sexy flower-like nature of not just the customers but the shopworkers).

Asked about fighters calling him out from the US, Aoki answered:

"I will fight anyone [of them, anywhere]. But [whoever it is], it's likely I'm going to be the strongest one... Oh yeah!"

MMA News From Around The World - August 24th, 2008

[Quintessential Studmuffin]

I'd love for Aoki to fight anywhere in the US. Wonder why Elite has yet to try and use him for a show.

[Ramma]

I wonder if Aoki has any plans to fight for Affliction, UFC, EliteXC, etc..

[smoogy]

Aoki was featured on a bunch of magazine covers and such for the first time this year. Now that he is finally being pushed as a star, I doubt he will be looking to leave Japan

[pantomime horse]

Based on what I've seen of Aoki he's better off staying in Japan. He's got the skills on the ground, no doubt, but I think the striking that's more prevalent here would pose major problems for him. His last fight was definitely eye opening.

Still, I'd like to see him make a few appearances. If only to prove me wrong or right.

[jlruthven84]

Originally Posted by pantomime horse

Based on what I've seen of Aoki he's better off staying in Japan. He's got the skills on the ground, no doubt, but I think the striking that's more prevalent here would pose major problems for him. His last fight was definitely eye opening.

Still, I'd like to see him make a few appearances. If only to prove me wrong or right.

I agree, and I do think that probably the UFC's top five LWs would beat him. He's a ground wizard, but that's about it.

[valheruking]

Originally Posted by smoogy

Aoki was featured on a bunch of magazine covers and such for the first time this year. Now that he is finally being pushed as a star, I doubt he will be looking to leave Japan

That ko was bad timing then lol

[ILJO]

I think it would be awesome if Aoki fought in the states

hell he may not have the best stand up game but you guys make it seem like he doesnt have a chance...

did you see what he did to jz? and he gogo'd Hansen in their first fight

I think he could be succesful here as well

[POINDEXTER]

On the whole, MMA in the US > than MMA in Japan.