It wasn’t too long ago that Japanese standout Shinya Aoki was making his second appearance in the United States, defeating Lyle Beerbohm by neck crank—one of his most dangerous submissions.
He returned to Japan to take on UFC veteran Rich Clementi on May 29, 2011.
Clementi, who has over 60 professional MMA bouts, went 5-5 inside the Octagon before being released by the promotion in 2009.
Aoki (26-5), who is widely considered to be one of the best grapplers in the sport, made it look easy when he submitted “No Love” in the second round of their bout in front of 7,000 fans. The bout was featured as the main event of Dream. Fight for Japan!
It was Aoki’s 16th submission victory of his career. Being a submission wizard, he has won his bouts using a wide variety of submission and grappling techniques, including a gogoplata, flying triangle choke, standing armlock and achilles lock.
The 28-year-old has established a name for himself, fighting in many organizations, including Dream, Strikeforce, Pride FC, Shooto and DEEP.
Wins over lightweight standouts Eddie Alvarez, Tatsuya Kawajiri and Joachim Hansen have earned Aoki top 10 recognition in the division, but it’s his grappling ability that continues to fascinates fans.
Don’t forget to check out Sal DeRose’s “Knockout of the Day” article, here.
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