Known as a topnotch grappler, Japanese mixed martial artist Shinya “Tobikan Shudan” Aoki, 35, will exhibit his skills at “ONE: Reign of Kings” at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines on July 27, 2018. Although aware of the grappler’s caliber, his Thai opponent Shannon “OneShin” Wiratchai, 29, is unfazed.

“I am not worried at all with his grappling,” Wiratchai said of Aoki’s fighting style. “That’s a given.”

While Wiratchai is confident, he is aware of how tough his “ONE: Reign of Kings” opponent is. The Thai MMA fighter admitted, “It’s not going to be easy, and I will have to be in the best shape of my life to do it.”

“But with hard work, we can achieve anything,” Wiratchai continued. “What I am focusing on is what I bring to the table, and before we hit the ground, we have to exchange with striking.”

“I don’t want to make any predictions,” the Thai fighter added. “But I know one thing is for sure. It’s going to be an exciting fight.”

But whether or not Wiratchai wins at “ONE: Reign of Kings,” he is scheduled to compete in Thailand at “ONE: Kingdom of Heroes” on October 6, 2018. ONE Championship held a press conference for the latter at the W Hotel in Bangkok on July 9, 2018.

During the press conference, ONE Championship chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong, 45, announced the organization’s partnership with Nakornloung Promotion. Also present during the event were Nakornloung Promotion promoter Thainchai Pisitwuttinan, 29.

Including Wiratchai, Several Thai ONE Championship athletes will be featured at “ONE: Kingdom of Heroes.” Yodsanklai “The Boxing Computer” IWE Fairtex, 33, Nong-O Gaiyanghadao, 32, Srisaket Sor Rungvisai, 31, and Petchmorrakot Wor. Sangprapai, 24, will compete in ONE Super Series while Shannon “OneShin” Wiratchai, 29, and Rika “Tiny Doll” Ishige, 29, will compete in MMA bouts.

There are two Thai contenders on the “ONE: Reign of Kings” card. Aside from Wiratchai, undefeated strawweight Pongsiri “The Smiling Assassin” Mitsatit, 22, will compete in the Philippines.

Meanwhile, here is a clip from one of Aoki’s previous bouts: