Grappler -vs- Striker (New School) by Brian Michelino

Shinya Aoki

     An interesting match up will take place at DREAM on October 24th in
the DEEP organization. Shinya Aoki Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black belt and
the current DREAM light weight champion will face former boxing title
holder Yokthai Sithoar.
     For those of you who are not familiar with Japanese MMA Sithoar is a
former Lumpinee Stadium muay Thai champion, he eventually turned his
attention to boxing and became a professional boxer in 1994. Aoki is
the current DREAM LW champ and has won most of his fight via
spectacular submissions.
Shiya is not known for his Striking abilities but is considered one of
the best in the world on the ground. He is known for brutal
submissions from all positions.
       Their contrasting styles remind me a lot of James Toney Vs Randy
Couture, although Yokthai Sithoar has far more ways to win then Toney
did, the bottom line is this will be his first pro MMA fight and he’s
facing one of the best in the world in not only Jiu Jitsu but in MMA.
These fights are similar to UFC 1 when we saw fights where it was
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Vs Boxing, basically one style Vs another
completely different style.
       I expect the same results as Royce Gracie’s early victims: the
grappler will prevail. Aoki ranked in the top 5 in the LW division and
has a very exciting Brazilian Jiu Jitsu style so if your interested in
seeing some high level jiu jitsu like you’ll see at D’Arce Jiu Jitsu I
suggest you check out DEEP 50 on October 24th.