Shinya Aoki explains UFC refusal: 'I have more to gain at One FC'

S. Aoki. Photo: Disclosure

Shinya Aoki, one of today's top Japanese fighters, explained why he denied the proposal to join the UFC starting next year.

Currently competing in the Asian One FC event, Aoki declared that he feels completely fulfilled in his job, and, therefore, would not exchange his current situation for something uncertain in the United States. “One FC takes care of me. They treat me very well. I know the fighters there and I'm comfortable at One FC. I think I have more to gain by fighting there”, he explained, in an interview with the North American blog Cagewriter.

The Japanese stated that it is not his priority to be recognized by the public across the planet. “I'm happy that fans everywhere would watch me fight. I feel honored by this, but it is not my goal to appeal to everyone,” he said.

Aoki, a fighter with notable stints in PRIDE and Dream, currently competes in the featherweight category. Despite being signed by One FC, he is expected to have his next fight at the Inoki Bom-Ba-Ye year-end commemorative event, against Toshikatsu Harada.