Shinya Aoki has been one of the biggest Japanese MMA stars for a long time now, and many have wondered if they'd ever see the day where he stepped into the octagon. Well, it certainly doesn't seem like it's going to happen. The ONE FC fighter was recently offered a UFC contract, but decided to pass on it to remain in Asia with ONE FC. Why? He explained to Cagewriter:
"OneFC has taken care of me," Aoki said.
"They've treated me well. I know the fighters there and I'm comfortable in ONE FC. I think I have more to gain from fighting there."
Aoki (34-6, 1 NC), who has competed in North America with Strikeforce and Bellator, just doesn't seem to have much desire to make more of a name with American fans:
"I'm honored that they are watching but it isn't my goal to appeal to everybody."
After recently making a drop to featherweight, Aoki will return to lightweight for a New Years Eve fight outside of ONE FC before going back to 145 early in 2014.