Shinya Aoki reveals why he’s not signed with the UFC, confirms he’ll be fighting Eddie Alvarez next year

DREAM lightweight champion, Shinya Aoki has revealed why he’s not put pen to paper on a contract with the worlds premiere mixed martial arts organisation, the UFC, as well as confirming a big fight he’s already agreed to in 2012.

Speaking via MMAWeekly.com, Aoki said:

“If I didn’t have a family, then I would go to the UFC right now. However, I have a family. MMA in Japan is a complicated situation. It’s not in my control.”

Aoki also commented on the rumour that he was set to face Bellator champion, Eddie Alvarez for a second time early next year.

“Yes, I will fight him next year. I am looking forward to it. Ever since I joined the Evolve Fight Team at Evolve MMA in Singapore, my overall game has improved tremendously. You will see a brand new Shinya Aoki in the future – the best ever is coming.”

Aoki has failed to make an impact on the international scene after he was dominated for five rounds by Strikeforce lightweight champion, Gilbert Melendez back in April 2010. A win over Alvarez would certainly go a long way to reaffirming he can compete with the best at 155 pounds and who knows, maybe we’ll see him inside the octagon one day.

source:mmabay.co.uk