Introduction
Sunday, November 8th, Japanese lightweight prospect Kazuki Aimoto will be in action for the Rizin, where he will be looking continue his winning ways against Kaleo Meheula. He will be looking for another win, as Aimoto looks to inch closer to a UFC contract. He represents ROOM, a smaller camp in MMA. Let’s take a closer look at this prospect as this week’s “Prospect Spotlight.”
Strengths
Kickboxing: Kazuki Aimoto is a nasty kickboxer that combines excellent technical prowess with a hunter’s mentality and brutal stopping power. He really is the real deal on the feet. He’s only gone to decision twice in his ten pro fights (all wins), but all eight stoppages have come by way of his gnarly brutality on the feet. He has a stinging jab that he uses to set up his combos. The jab, though a lead in, does do some damage and is quite stiff. He also strings together combinations with his hands, though he has some nasty kicking ability as well, especially to the legs. He can throw some flashy strikes like flying knees, but he’s most based when he’s throwing high-level punch-kick combos. And luckily, under Rizin, he can throw violent soccer kicks when his opponent is on the mat, which he’s used to his advantage.
Needs Improvement
Counter-Grappling Question Marks: The one thing we have yet to really see from Aimoto is his counter-grappling against guys with strong wrestling and takedown ability. We would have seen that more tested had he fought Viktor Kolesnik, but unfortunately that fight fell through. Because his striking is so dangerous and he fights from an arm’s length so well, he can stay out of shooting distance well, but eventually, he will have to take a test in the form of a high-level wrestler, where we will find out more about his counter-grappling and defenses.
Outlook
UFC Midcarder: At just 25 years old, Aimoto is one of the best, if not the best, prospect coming out of Japan right now. He has the right style to catch the attention of the UFC matchmakers and the skills to make a real run in the UFC when it’s all said and done. He has crippling striking and impressive athleticism which make him such a dangerous man on the feet. You’d think he’s tailor-made for ONE Championship, if they ever got their shit together. However, he wisely chose Rizin and when he’s done wreaking havoc there, he should make his way to the UFC and show what he’s made of. He could be a real stud there.
