Shinya Aoki Vs Hiroyuki Tetsuka Preview: All-Japan Lightweight MMA Clash At ONE 173 - Check Details

ONE Championship will deliver one of the most highly anticipated all-Japan showdowns in recent memory, as legendary Japanese MMA fighter Shinya “Tobikan Judan” Aoki will face Hiroyuki “Japanese Beast” Tetsuka in a lightweight contest.

They go to war at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri, which will broadcast live on Sunday, November 16, from Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.

This clash between two of Japan’s finest mixed martial artists represents more than just another bout on the stacked card. The two have traded back-and-forth barbs on social media for months, building intrigue and genuine animosity, while setting the stage for their matchup.

Their rivalry intensified when Tetsuka made a guest appearance on Aoki’s YouTube channel in March, where they covered various topics, including their callouts. In that conversation, Tetsuka asked Aoki why he had blocked him in 2024.

The war of words between them didn’t stop. Their verbal sparring escalated further after Tetsuka took to his own YouTube channel to send “Tobikan Judan” a clear and direct message, again calling out the legendary veteran in front of thousands of viewers:

“He’s making fun of me. Don’t run away.”

Now, they will finally get their chance to settle this rivalry in the Circle once and for all, with pride and personal honor on the line.

Aoki’s legendary reputation speaks for itself.

The 42-year-old Tokyo native stands as one of the greatest submission specialists in MMA history, with a 49-11 record built over more than two decades competing among the elite. Out of 49 victories, he owns a staggering 32 via submission.

Since joining ONE in 2012, the former ONE Lightweight MMA World Champion has dominated opponents with his suffocating grappling game, securing 15 promotional victories with 13 finishes.

“Tobikan Judan” is currently riding a two-fight winning streak in MMA, most recently submitting former ONE Lightweight MMA World Champion Eduard “Landslide” Folayang in just 53 seconds at ONE 172 this past March.

That lightning-fast submission came after his rear-naked choke victory over John “Hands Of Stone” Lineker at ONE 165, proving that age has not diminished his lethal grappling ability.

Against Tetsuka, Aoki will aim to secure his third consecutive MMA victory and the historic 50th win of his illustrious career.

Standing opposite Aoki in the Circle is the 35-year-old Tetsuka, a former Pancrase Welterweight Champion who will be dropping down to lightweight for this grudge match.

The Tochigi-based fighter from Yamada Dojo-TGFC brings six victories in ONE to the table, including five inside the distance. In his time in the world’s largest martial arts organization, Tetsuka has built a reputation as a dangerous finisher.

“Japanese Beast” was recently on a five-fight winning streak before running into a wall and dropping his last two bouts to Isi “Doxz” Fitikefu and “The Warrior” Zhang Lipeng, and the resilient Japanese star is determined to bounce back stronger than ever.

More importantly, he’s focused on silencing the legendary Aoki and proving he belongs among Japan’s elite.

With both fighters representing different eras of Japanese martial arts excellence and personal pride fueling the fire, this lightweight MMA clash promises to be an unforgettable moment in ONE history.

Source