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Texas native Cole Abate fully embraces his role as an underdog.
After topping the podium at some of the biggest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournaments in the world, Abate will make his debut on martial arts' biggest global stage this Friday night, December 6.
Heading to the legendary Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand for ONE Fight Night 26 on Prime Video, Abate is set to square off with Japanese icon and former ONE lightweight MMA world champion Shinya Aoki.
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Despite being both a black belt and an accomplished grappler, the 20-year-old often finds himself embracing the underdog mentality that has helped carry him to a slew of successes in his young career.
“That’s kinda always the mindset whenever I know I’m going against somebody that has more experience or has a different colored belt around their waist," Abate said during a recent interview with the promotion. "Of course, I’m the black belt now, but I still feel like I have that underdog mentality in me, of being the lower belt or being the young kid coming up.”
Cole Abate faces a tough first test against Japanese icon Shinya Aoki
Standing in Cole Abate's way of a successful ONE Championship debut is Shinya Aoki, a beloved mixed martial artist and grappler making his 23rd promotional appearance at ONE Fight Night 26.
Along the way, 'Tobikan Judan' has squared off with some of the biggest names in ONE history, including Eduard Folayang, Ben Askren, Christian Lee, Yoshihiro Akiyama, and John 'Hands of Stone' Lineker.
Aoki has also shared the grappling states with world-class athletes like Garry Tonon, Marat Gafurov, Kade Ruotolo, and Mikey Musumeci.
Will Aoki add another noteworthy name to his impressive hit list inside the Mecca of Muay Thai, or will Abate bag one of the biggest wins of his career by walking through the 41-year-old legend?
Fans in the United States and Canada can watch ONE Fight Night 26 live on Amazon Prime Video on Friday, December 6 in U.S. primetime.
