What was David Gardner thinking?
We all knew Shinya Aoki was going to win by submission, but we didn't know it was going to be because David Gardner wanted to wave to everybody. Gardner defended the rear naked choke extremely well the first time Aoki got his back (so well, in fact, that Aoki gave up the back to try a different submission), but the second time Aoki got his back was just a disaster. What the heck, Gardner? You're in a fight against one of the best submission artists in the world and he has your back. Now is not the time to wave to the crowd and say "Hi, Japan." If he hadn't stuck his arm up to wave, Aoki wouldn't have been able to slide his own arm up and rear-naked choke him. It'd be like if in a bull fight, the moment the bull was about to charge, the matador threw down his red cape and then bent over.
NOTE: You can watch the entire fight after the jump, but skip to about 6:45 if you only want to see the end.
Aoki and Sakurai confirmed for Dream 2009 Welterweight Grand Prix
Fighting and Entertainment Group announced today that Shinya "Tobikan Judan" Aoki has agreed to move back up to welterweight to compete in Dream's 168-pound tournament, which begins on April 5 at the NGK Insulators Hall in Nagoya, Japan. Hayato "Mach" Sakurai has also been confirmed, and will join Aoki as the second marquee name to enter the tournament. Sherdog reports:
A source close to the situation has told Sherdog.com that FEG is hoping to pit Aoki against fellow star Sakurai in April's quarterfinals. Sakurai and Aoki met in August 2005, where a then-unknown Aoki took Sakurai to a hotly competitive decision.
There was a little speculation as to whether or not Aoki would move up to 168 lbs so it's nice to see he agreed. It's always a treat to watch him fight, since he does things you've never seen any other fighter even attempt. Plus the move up to welterweight should be good for him. I'm not saying he's skinny, but I met him in person once and when he turned to the side he completely disappeared. True story.