"I do believe Aoki will probably be here fighting for Strikeforce in March sometime.... The...

"I do believe Aoki will probably be here fighting for Strikeforce in March sometime.... The toughest part is going to be the scheduling."

Strikeforce President and CEO, Scott Coker, tells MMAWeekly.com that Japanese submission whiz, Shinya Aoki, will likely make his United States debut with his promotion in March 2010. No potential opponent is known at this time.

about 2 years ago MMAmania.com 7 comments 0 recs |

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Can’t wait to see him submit Melendez.

by Alpha Male. on Dec 9, 2009 7:28 AM EST reply actions

that confident hey alpha?

Not judging, more intrigued actually. Do you feel he is a worthy, and legit threat to Penn, or is it merely his competition that’s made him so appealing?

by daniel worby on Dec 9, 2009 9:13 AM EST via mobile up reply actions

I wouldn't go as far of saying that he could beat BJ, but he's a good threat for sure.

And yeah he’s more than legit for fighting BJ, plus his Muay Thai is getting better with every fights. The only problem that I could see with a fight in the states is that he won’t be allowed to using pants, so it might affect his ground game a bit.

by Alpha Male. on Dec 9, 2009 9:34 AM EST up reply actions

interesting

I was having this discussion with my buddy (Penn fan til the death) and like most Penn hardcores, he was saying there’s no chance. And its hard to argue that cause Penn is great, but I also took into consideration the Aoki quote that he could get the job done.

He voiced his feelings on being in the UFC too if I’m not mistaken. Hoping it happens. I’m all for more challengers for BK. Although I’m siding with Penn for the first time against Diego. He’s driving me nuts. The Yes Cartwheel put me over the edge on the coutndown.

by daniel worby on Dec 9, 2009 10:00 AM EST via mobile up reply actions

That fight's been a long time in the making

Gilbert has looked superb recently and if he can keep up this form and beat Thomson then a fight with Aoki would be huge. I actually like Gilbert’s chances, Aoki’s striking is still suspect and Gilbert is a great all round fighter, plus there is the question of how Aoki will deal with fighting in shorts and in a cage in a foreign country, if he isn’t at his best then he’ll get KO’d by Melendez.

"I’ll continue to watch their events and I hope they’ll (Zuffa) tune in to my fights in Strikeforce. After all, I’m a true fan of our fantastic sport and would love only to see MMA continue to grow."
Dan Henderson, classy.

"The reality is that I pushed him into signing that deal... I wanted him to s**t or get off the pot."
Dana White, classless.

by David W-S on Dec 9, 2009 10:08 AM EST up reply actions

good insight

Melendez reminds me of the Diego of SF. Kinda gives that style, determination, and heart vibe. Less crazy then Diego, no doubt, but nonetheless, I see flashes of Diego in him.

by daniel worby on Dec 9, 2009 10:57 AM EST via mobile up reply actions

Royce Gracie

During the Hughes Fight Gracie wore trunks that were very long and similar to pants. Not the same as Aoki’s spandex though. Still it would make his subs harder to escape

dude.....i am

by brendog on Dec 9, 2009 12:06 PM EST up reply actions