Hatsu Hioki
Hioki vacates Shooto title
Shooto 145 lb. champion Hatsu Hioki has vacated his title and a career in the UFC seems to be on the horizon.
According to MMAjunkie.com, who spoke to Hioki’s associate and fighter manager Shu Hirata, Hioki will attend UFC 131 as a guest and contract negotiations seem to be likely.
Hioki last fought just over one month ago, earning a submission victory over Donald Sanchez at “Shooto Tradition 2011.” The victory extended his current winning streak to four straight, which began after a 2009 split-decision loss to Michihiro Omigawa.
The decision to depart from the Shooto scene allows the UFC an opportunity to lock down another big name at the featherweight mark. Although UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo is currently on the shelf due to injury, adding a contender such as Hioki is always a welcomed acquisition.
