One Upset At Stake: Kiwi‑Malaysian Fighter “ET” Ting Looks to Upset Shinya Aoki
By Sport Beat – 6 October 2025
In a fight that could be the sky‑high ticket to the ONE Lightweight World Championship, Ev “ET” Ting – the Kiwi‑Malaysian who’s been making headlines for defeating Japan’s Shinya Aoki – is poised for a potentially career‑changing win at ONE: Kingdom Of Heroes in Bangkok.
One Win to Own the Title – but Who’s the Target?
- At 29 years old, Ting admits he wishes this bout was the title fight, but that’s not the case yet.
- He’s eager to prove he can stand up to a legend. “I’m honored, but this is a bigger fight for me.”
- He’s building his body again for that fight‑night peak, ready for a true legend‑level challenge.
Shinya Aoki: Gripping, Grappling, and a Big‑Name: A Legacy on the Line
Aoki, 35, is a master of the ground game. With black belts in Judo and Brazilian Jiu‑Jitsu, he’s carved his name across the globe. Highlights of this year include:
- Submission victory over Rasul Yakhyaev.
- Ground‑and‑pound TKO over Shannon Wiratchai.
Though the veteran boasts a decorated career, Ting is ready to defend his corner.
“If it goes to the ground I’ll Embrace Chaos”
“You’ll see me fighting his grappling without a secret plan,” Ting explains. He’ll test him for my entire bank account – a euphemism for total confidence in his training, coaches, and team.
From Auckland to Bangkok: A Fighter’s Journey to the Basics
At Auckland MMA in New Zealand, Ting’s focus on fundamentals has led to three consecutive wins that propelled him into title contention.
He highlights:
- Footwork that dances around the octagon like a well‑played chess game.
- Enhanced timing to de‑confuse opponents.
- A shift from “beast‑mode” heroics to strategic, smart-combat.
Confidence, Not Disrespect (or Is It?)
In social media clips, Ting stirred controversy by claiming he’s “almost a gatekeeper” in the lightweight division. But he clarified it’s a statement of confidence before the bout – not an insult.
He says:
“I’m facing veterans but not scooping up trophies yet. I’ll keep voicing myself honestly and firmly.”
What Would Your Prediction Be?
With one win just shy of the title shot – can ET Ting take down the judo‑juggernaut Shinya Aoki? Live commentary will follow on ONE Championship’s official channel.
