ONE’s Best of 2018: Shinya Aoki – Watch Michael Schiavello Discuss The “Tōbikan Jūdan’s” Comeback Year

ONE Championship had no shortage of cards and memorable moments this past year, and several of those belonged to Shinya Aoki.

As ONE play-by-play man Michael Schiavello notes in the video below, when 2018 began, questions remained as to whether Aoki remained a top-tier contender. The feared submission artist was coming off consecutive losses to Eduard Folayang and Ben Askren, and Aoki was set to turn 35 in May.

Well, the Japanese star proceeded to score three consecutive finishes this past year, and all three were recorded in the opening round. You can watch highlights from the “Tōbikan Jūdan’s” comeback campaign below.

As 2019 gets set to begin, Aoki is carrying a record of 42-8, with 1 no-contest.