Shinya Aoki Says His ONE Championship Contract Has Expired

Shinya Aoki says he wants to keep fighting, and he’s doing so without a contract at the moment. Speaking with reporters, the longtime MMA standout and pro wrestling crossover star revealed that his deal with ONE Championship has run its course, making him officially a free agent as of May.

Aoki noted that he has not been contacted by anyone from ONE Championship since his contract lapsed, leaving his next move in MMA up in the air. He did not indicate whether he expects a new deal with the promotion or plans to explore other options, but he made clear that retirement is not on his mind — he intends to keep competing.

Aoki has spent the better part of two decades as one of the most decorated grapplers to cross over between MMA and combat sports entertainment. A submission specialist with a résumé that includes stints in PRIDE, DREAM, and Bellator before landing with ONE Championship, he has also built a following among wrestling fans thanks to appearances in Japanese pro wrestling, most notably with DDT, where his mat skills and larger-than-life persona made him a natural fit for the genre’s often surreal style.

His free-agent status opens the door for speculation about where he lands next, whether that’s a return to ONE under a new contract, a jump to a rival promotion, or further ventures blending his MMA background with pro wrestling. For now, Aoki’s camp has offered no additional details on scheduling or targets, but his comments make clear he still sees himself as an active competitor rather than a fighter winding things down.

As one of the sport’s most recognizable submission artists, any move Aoki makes is likely to draw attention from both MMA and wrestling audiences who have followed his hybrid career for years. Further updates on his next promotion or opponent were not available at this time.