Aoki Confronts ‘Sexyama’ At Event: ‘You Don’t Have That Much Time Left’
Former ONE Lightweight World Champion Shinya “Tobikan Judan” Aoki is not happy with Japanese-Korean legend Yoshihiro “Sexyama” Akiyama, and he made that very clear earlier this week.
Following his grappling match at Road To ONE: ‘Sexyama’ Edition in Tokyo, Japan, on Tuesday night, the fiery Aoki grabbed the microphone and turned his attention to Akiyama, who served as the night’s special guest commentator.
The Japanese icon then demanded answers after revealed that “Sexyama” had rejected a proposed super-bout between them.
“On 6 September, there was an offer to fight. Why’d you decline the offer? Come on, say it, don’t lie,” Aoki said in the center of the Circle. “This is nothing to laugh about. Come on, say something!”
At the commentary booth, “Sexyama” calmly explained that he’d suffered an injury and was still healing, which forced him to politely pass up the offer.
“I mean, I’m sure many of you know this by checking my social media. But the reason I declined was that I tore a muscle,” Akiyama said.
“Along with the doctor’s orders, there were other factors that went into declining the offer. And for me, it was also very disappointing. I believe a martial artist should be standing in the ring and putting on fights.
“But unfortunately, after many tests, I was in a position where I couldn’t do anything but decline. I’m aware of the inconvenience this has caused for many people.”
Akiyama did express his desire to square off once he was healed, but “Tobikan Judan” told him the clock was ticking on his career.
“I’ll be frank. You don’t have that much time left,” Aoki said.
For several years, “Tobikan Judan” has been interested in fighting his legendary countryman – and following his first-round victory over Eduard “Landslide” Folayang in April, he asked to fight “Sexyama” in Japan.
Keep an eye on ONEFC.com for more on this development.
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