Damon Martin: Shinya Aoki, Bibiano Fernandes Added to One FC Roster

As One FC has continued their expansion in Asia, they have signed two major mainstays of the Japenese fight scene with both expected to debut on their Aug 31 show.
First off, former DREAM lightweight champion Shinya Aoki will join the One FC roster and is expected to debut on the Aug 31 show in Manila in the Philippines.
Aoki comes to One FC after a tumultuous last few months due to the uncertainty that was still surrounding DREAM and their future in Japan.
Now that it appears DREAM is all but dead, Aoki has chosen to move on and sign with One FC where he will begin competing later this year. When he does step back in the cage, Aoki will be looking to erase the memories of his last fight where he was stopped by former Bellator champion Eddie Alvarez in a first round beat down.
Also added to the One FC roster is former DREAM featherweight and bantamweight Grand Prix winner Bibiano Fernandes who has signed on with the organization as of Wednesday.
Fernandes was offered contracts with both the UFC and One FC, but the Brazilian ultimately decided to land with One FC and will begin competing there immediately.
Looked at as one of the top bantamweight fighters in the world, Fernandes will surely make an immediate impact in One FC as he looks to further cement his standing in the division.
The upcoming Aug 31 show will be dubbed One FC: Pride of a Nation and will take place at the 16,000 plus seat stadium in Manila.
“I am expecting a sell out crowd of 16,500 Filipino fans in Manila on August 31. ONE FC: Pride of a Nation will be the biggest MMA event in Filipino history. One FC is bringing the most stacked card to Manila with DREAM Champions, URCC Champions, ex UFC stars, Gracie fighters, and more,” said One FC CEO Victor Cui.
Renato ‘Babalu’ Sobral is also expected to compete on the card as well as several more fights and fighters being announced over the next few weeks.

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