The two WAMMA titleholders will face off in a grappling-rules only match at the M-1 Challenge, to be held on April 29 in Tokyo, Japan. Although separated by four weight classes, this fight pits two of the most highly-regarded MMA grapplers against each other.

Arguably the #1 rated MMA fighter in the world, Fedor regularly participates in both Judo and Sambo competition in his native Russia. He has won titles in both sports and has placed 1st on the world level in Combat Sambo. The champion’s skill level on the ground is evident in many of his MMA matches, having submitted the likes of Kevin Randleman and Mark Coleman while avoiding the same fate against noted submission specialists like UFC fighter Antonio “Minotouro” Nogueria.

Aoki, “The Tobikan Judan,” is also no slouch on the mats, holding a black belt in both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo. He too competes regularly in the country of Japan and has also competed on the world stage in events such as the ADCC Tournament. In his MMA matches, Aoki has finished his opponents with a wide array of submission maneuvers and is noted for utilizing the rubber guard to be the most dynamic pure grappler in his weight division.