Former ONE Lightweight MMA World Champion Shinya Aoki is known as one of the fiercest competitors in MMA history. In his recent blog post, however, he opened up about the friendship he developed with his greatest rival Eduard Folayang.
The two former lightweight kings will compete for the fourth and final time when they clash at ONE 172: Takeru vs. Rodtang this Sunday, March 23, at Saitama Super Arena in Japan.
In what could be his last fight, Aoki, who holds a 2-1 advantage over Folayang in their series, revealed how their relationship evolved into a genuine friendship since their first bout in 2016 where the Filipino won via TKO.
READ: Eduard Folayang's five biggest moments in illustrious MMA career
"I was able to meet with Eduard for breakfast on Thursday morning after he arrived on Wednesday night. The relationship that was usually casual has turned into friendship over the past years," Aoki said in a translated post from his blog.
"This is the first time I will be fighting a friend. I have had situations in the past where I fought someone close to me, but this is the first time I'll be fighting someone with such a relationship."
After that first fight, Aoki got back at Folayang, submitting the Filipino MMA icon to reclaim the ONE Lightweight MMA World Title in their rematch. Then he repeated the feat in their trilogy to move ahead in their rivalry.
Following that win, Aoki flew from Japan to visit Folayang without any fanfare — just two old rivals training together, breaking bread together, and sightseeing the breezy mountains of Baguio City together.
It was during this visit when Aoki asked Folayang to send him off into the sunset — fighting for one last time before retiring.
This closeness makes the fight difficult for Aoki. His dilemma comes from wanting to win, of course, but his fondness for Folayang makes him want to see the Filipino icon succeed as well.
With that in mind, all he hopes for now is that regardless of who wins, they both escape without injuries.
"Thinking about it this way makes me feel like I've been thrown into a difficult position for this match. I want to win, and I want Eduard to win too. I genuinely hope for this from the bottom of my heart," Aoki said.
"I pray that we can both step off the ring with a smile. The only thing I hope for is to avoid injuries for both of us."
After making a name for himself by breaking opponents' arms just to secure victories in his younger days, Aoki explained that he's matured — and his friendship with Folayang might have contributed to that change.
READ: Takeru vows war in long-awaited clash with Rodtang at ONE 172
He's thankful to cross paths with the Filipino MMA legend before the end of his career.
"Until now, my drive has been to win, and I thought it was acceptable to crush my opponent if it meant victory. But now, I no longer think that way at all," he said.
"After more than 20 years competing, nearing 42, I might have matured now. Still, I am grateful to have come this far. I truly love Eduard Folayang without lying."
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