Cole Abate, the 20-year-old Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu phenom, is gearing up for his highly anticipated ONE Championship debut this weekend. Abate, an Art of Jiu-Jitsu Academy standout, will face Japanese MMA legend Shinya Aoki in a submission grappling match at ONE Fight Night 26 on December 6. Aoki, known as “Tobikan Judan,” is a multi-time ONE lightweight MMA world champion and a revered figure in the martial arts community, particularly in Asia.
Abate expressed his excitement about fighting Aoki in front of his loyal fanbase in Asia, acknowledging the legendary status Aoki holds there. Abate also reflected on Aoki’s influence, particularly the Aoki Lock, a move named after the Japanese icon. Abate, a former IBJJF No-Gi Pan American Champion and the youngest male athlete to win the ADCC North American Trials, has trained under grappling legends Guilherme and Rafael Mendes, and he aims to make a statement in his ONE Championship debut.
The event will take place at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, and will be available for free streaming in the U.S. and Canada via Amazon Prime Video. This match is expected to be an exciting clash between the rising star Abate and one of the most respected figures in submission grappling and MMA.
