Aoki, who holds black belts in both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and judo, is widely regarded as one of the best MMA fighters to ever come out of Japan. The four-time ONE lightweight world champion owns a 47-9 (1 NC) professional record and is undefeated in his last four fights in ONE’ Championship’s global stage.

He will be looking to extend the winning streak to five in a row when he faces Akiyama, a pop-culture marvel who has decimated the sport with his gold medal-winning judo brilliance and striking devastation. The legend known as “Sexyama” is a K1 HERO Light Heavyweight Grand Prix World Champion with 15 professional victories in MMA competitions.

Akiyama, 46, is eight years older than his upcoming adversary. However, he seems unfazed.

“Losing in the match, I’m not scared. I’m afraid to neglect my efforts,” the legend tweeted on Friday.

pic.twitter.com/4YFNFAyh2r

— 秋山　成勲 추 성훈 (@akiyamayoshihir) February 25, 2022

Shinya Aoki and Yoshihiro “Sexyama” Akiyama, as well as Japanese MMA fans, have been yearning to see this dream match for years, but the possibility truly entered the global spotlight in 2021.

Following his first-round submission victory over Filipino star Eduard Folayang, Aoki expressed his desire to fight his legendary compatriot in Japan.

“Tobikan Judan” then doubled down on that sentiment at the Road to ONE: ‘Sexyama’ Edition show in Tokyo last October. After his match, Aoki grabbed the mic and demanded that Akiyama tell him why he declined a previous offer to fight.

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Akiyama, who was doing commentary during the event, responded:

“The reason I declined was that I tore a muscle. 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.”

Since that confrontation, fans have been teased about the Japanese legends’ fight multiple times. Now, Akiyama will finally face Aoki in what promises to be an iconic event at ONE X.

The ONE Championship’s 10^th anniversary show’s line up got bigger with the addition of two more MMA fights. Officially announced on Friday during the ONE: FULL CIRCLE live broadcast, Shoko Sato will meet Dagestani fighter Yusup Saadulaev, while Ryuto Sawada has been confirmed to face Senzo Ikeda.

In January, Ikeda defeated Indonesia’s Elipitua Siregar via technical knockout (KO) in the third round.

Watch ONE: LIGHTS OUT on March 11 on the ONE Super App and subscribe to ONE Championship on YouTube!

This article is published in collaboration with ONE Championship

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