"I knew the challenge I was going up against" - Cole Abate sums up successful ONE debut against "worthy opponent" Shinya Aoki

20-year-old Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) phenom Cole Abate needed less than three minutes to claim victory in his ONE Championship debut over former ONE lightweight MMA world champion Shinya Aoki at ONE Fight Night 26 on Friday, Dec. 6.

In the post-fight interview with ONE commentator Mitch Chilson, 'Ice' acknowledged how great a moment it was for him to share the circle with a bonafide legend in Aoki:

"Going into this, I knew that Shinya would be a very worthy opponent. He's got so much experience in MMA in general. Of course, representing Jiu-Jitsu and the MMA world for many years and even having the title here at ONE, so I knew the challenge I was going up against."

Abate definitely looked comfortable despite being under immediate duress from 'Tobikan Judan'. The Japanese submission grappling icon gained top position thirty seconds into the bout, but Abate threatened a triangle choke to counter the pressure.

The Art of Jiu-Jitsu Academy product abandoned the hold, and the two stars then jockeyed for position, which ended with Abate submitting Aoki via heel hook at the 2:25 mark.

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Cole Abate receives performance bonus in first ONE outing

Cole Abate holding his own against the highly revered Shinya Aoki was amazing in its own right, but for him to submit the nearly unstoppable BAMF affiliate made it even more memorable.

Because of his efforts, Abate earned a $50,000 performance bonus from ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong.

Abate was one of three recipients of the coveted bonus, with fellow promotional debutant and BJJ megastar Dante Leon and Muay Thai rising star Thongpoon PK Saenchai earning their bonuses by finishing their respective opponents at ONE Fight Night 26.

Fans in the United States and Canada with an active Prime Video subscription can rewatch ONE Fight Night 26 on demand.