'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Cole Abate plans to showcase his "very complete style" against Shinya Aoki.
At 20 years old, Abate made a name for himself in submission grappling. In 2021, the American superstar became the youngest competitor (16) to secure first place at an ADCC trial tournament. He now looks to conquer a global platform.
On Friday, December 6, Abate will make his highly-anticipated promotional debut at ONE Fight Night 26. Promotional officials have revealed the high expectations they have for Abate, as he's been matched up against the legendary Shinya Aoki.
Trending
Abate talked about his upcoming debut during an interview with ONE. 'Ice' had this to say about showcasing his versatility against Aoki:
Get the latest updates on One Championship Rankings at Sportskeeda and more
“I have a very complete style. So if I do need to go on top, if I do need to focus more on passing, back takes, sweeping, I feel like I can pivot midway through a match pretty well."
Shinya Aoki vs. Cole Abate is one of many intriguing matchups taking place inside the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. ONE Fight Night 26 can be seen live and for free by North American and Canadian viewers with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription.
Friday's event also features two highly-entertaining world title fights - Christian Lee vs. Alibeg Rasulov (lightweight MMA) and Mayssa Bastos vs. Danielle Kelly 2 (women's atomweight submission grappling).
Shinya Aoki hopes to turn back the clock against Cole Abate
Shinya Aoki is a former ONE lightweight MMA world champion who holds a promotional record of 13-5 in the sport. The Japanese legend has also competed in submission grappling under the ONE banner four times, taking on world-class talents Garry Tonon, Kade Ruotolo, and Mikey Musumeci.
Aoki's legacy as a martial artist is solidified, but he's not done challenging himself. At 41 years old, 'Tobikan Judan' must utilize his overall experience advantage to defeat his younger upcoming opponent, Cole Abate.
Meanwhile, Abate has a massive opportunity to add a living legend to his resume. With a win against Aoki, Abate would further prove he's a legitimate threat to Kade Ruotolo's lightweight submission grappling world title.
