Only the thrill of competition can motivate Yushin Okami at this late stage of his career.
The 41-year-old Japanese veteran will make his long-awaited return to the cage when he meets former two-division One Championship titleholder Aung La N Sang in a ONE 163 middleweight showcase on Saturday at Singapore Indoor Stadium in Kallang, Singapore. Okami’s extensive resume stretches all the way back to September 2022. He has compiled a 1-2 record in three assignments with ONE.
As Okami focuses his attention on his forthcoming clash with Sang at 205 pounds, here are five things you might not know about him:
1. He has become something of a forgotten man.
The Wajutsu Keishukai Tokyo Dojo rep has not fought in 1,134 days—by far the longest period of inactivity in his distinguished 20-year career. Okami last appeared at ONE “Century” Part 1, where he eked out a split decision over Malaysia’s Agilan Thani on Oct. 12, 2019.
2. He left his mark inside the Octagon.
Okami still ranks fifth on the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s all-time list in wins as a middleweight with 13 despite not having competed in the organization in nearly four years. Only Michael Bisping (16), Anderson Silva (14), Brad Tavares (14) and Derek Brunson (14) have more.
3. No one can question his strength of schedule.
The Japanese judoka has faced 10 fighters who have captured titles in either ONE, the World Series of Fighting, Strikeforce, the UFC or Bellator MMA. Okami has gone 1-1 against Silva, 1-0 against Evan Tanner, 1-0 against Nate Marquardt, 1-0 against Hector Lombard, 0-1 against Jake Shields, 0-1 against Rich Franklin, 0-1 against Ronaldo Souza, 0-1 against David Branch, 0-1 against Jon Fitch and 0-1 against Kiamrian Abbasov.
4. Judges often settle his differences.
Okami has gone the distance 25 times in 40 professional assignments. He carries an 18-7 record in those bouts, with four of his wins resulting in split scorecards.
5. Well-rounded skills made him a sought-after mercenary.
The well-traveled Okami has suited up for 13 different organizations: the UFC, ONE, Pride Fighting Championships, the WSOF, the Professional Fighters League, M-1 Global, Pancrase, K-1, Greatest Common Multiple, SuperBrawl, Rumble on the Rock, MARS and Deep. He has fought in 10 different countries. In addition to his native Japan, Okami has plied his trade in Russia, the United States, South Korea, Ireland, Germany, Brazil, Australia, Indonesia and the Philippines.
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