Shannon “OneShin” Wiratchai is eyeing a legendary showdown in Manila
Bangkok‑grown fighter Shannon “OneShin” Wiratchai is just a few days away from stepping into the cage to face a true MMA legend, Shinya Aoki, at ONE: REIGN OF KINGS on Friday, 27 July.
From childhood fan to future title contender
What once was a wishful dream is now a real opportunity: “I watched him 15 years ago, so I wanted to be like him,”
Wiratchai says, reflecting on growing up idolising a man who had become a hero to him.
- Started as a judo and jiu‑jitsu kid.
- Has been training and refining his skills for 15 years.
- Now ready to share the cage with the legend.
He’ll stay sharp, not scared
Despite the reverence for Aoki’s decorated career, Wiratchai is confident he won’t turn into a nervous sheep when the fight bell rings. He remembers the jitters before his first ONE bout against Mitch Chilson back in August 2012, saying:
“I was so scared, but that fear turned into fire. I stepped up my game.”
“This time, it’s a chance to lift my game even higher—just like dating your first crush, except with a ring of steel.”
Aoki’s homework played to his strengths
Aoki is on a hot streak, chasing his old ONE Lightweight World Title, while Wiratchai has yet to taste the championship glory. But the Thai star is determined to use the bout as a springboard.
“I need to show an impressive performance.” He fancies his striking as the key weapon: “I’d love to knock him out—how do I land a punch on his chin?”
Aoki’s natural strengths? Takedowns and ground finishes. Wiratchai plans to:
- Guard against Aoki’s takedowns.
- Open space for striking.
Training camp packages tailored for the challenge
Training out of Tiger Muay Thai in Phuket, Wiratchai works with world‑class partners for both stand‑up and ground game. A standout partner is Stuart Cooper—now a coach at Tiger, formerly at Evolve MMA, and Aoki’s old roommate, who knows the Japanese fighter’s tactics intimately.
“We’ve got a multi‑disciplinary crew. Coach Lee Livingstone in Bangkok is crafting the game plan, while Ontario’s George Hickman and his brother Frank – tall, lean wrestlers—are syncing to mimic Aoki’s frame.”
What’s next?
If Wiratchai can turn the tide against a legend, he’s no longer just a contender—he’s a contender in the ONE Lightweight World Title conversation. The fighting city of Manila awaits, and the crowd can’t wait to see if the Thai prodigy will finally knock a champion out of the ring.
