“Not many fighters are called legends” - Shinya Aoki is grateful to be considered a legend of martial arts in Japan

Shinya Aoki doesn’t always come off as “shy” with his outspoken opinions and action-oriented fighting style. However, when it comes to discussing his place in the sport, he’s very humble.

In an interview with ONE Championship, the Japanese veteran was asked about his status as a legend of MMA. 'Tobikan Judan' felt embarrassed to compare himself to other martial arts legends:

“I’m shy. For me, I just keep doing this sport because I love it. Not many fighters are called legends in Japan, maybe just me and Akiyama-san [Yoshihiro Akiyama]? I’m grateful to be considered a legend, but it’s a bit embarrassing. At this age, fighting and training with this passion, maybe I am a legend. But what I see as a legend is on another level like Antonio Inoki, Rickson [Gracie], Renzo [Gracie], [Chatri] Sityodtong, Saenchai. So if I’m in among them, I am still embarrassed."

Shinya Aoki will be hitting 10 years with ONE Championship this year and is preparing for his 17th fight with the organization next month. In those 10 years, he’s submitted nine foes and fought for multiple world titles.

Despite being 39 years old, he’s still riding through a successful stretch in his career. Before dropping his last fight to Akiyama at ONE X, he was on a four-fight win streak. It’s getting harder to stand out in MMA every year, but Aoki has done it both with his personality and fighting style.

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Shinya Aoki names surprising choices for his favorite fights

For some fighters, there are greater goals in their career than just winning. Some take pride in moments that affected MMA as a whole, regardless of wins or losses.

Shinya Aoki reflected on his own fights with ONE Championship in an interview with the promotion. He mentioned two bouts that may surprise fans:

“The fights that I’m most proud of myself in are the fights I lost against Christian Lee and [Eduard] Folayang. It’s not easy to pick one between these fights. The reason is I believe I made these two champions. I have a strong feeling about this... Maybe it’s hard for you guys to understand this mindset because you would say our job is to win the fight. But for me, it is not. Losing a fight is also a part of the job. I believe there are more beautiful things than just winning."

Part of Shinya Aoki’s legacy is not only the fights that he won but also the fighters he elevated in defeat. He’ll get a chance to add to his story on November 19 at ONE 163 in Singapore, where he takes on Saygid Izagakhmaev.

The fight will launch one of the two fighters into the title picture, and Aoki will once again challenge a younger, stronger foe – something he’s beyond used to by now.