Jin Aoi vs. Chang Min Yoon: A Razor-Close Battle at Road to UFC Season 4
On May 22, 2025, at the UFC Performance Institute in Shanghai, China, the Road to UFC Season 4 featherweight quarterfinal delivered a thrilling 15-minute war between Japan’s Jin Aoi and South Korea’s Chang Min Yoon. This highly competitive bout, one of the standout fights of the tournament’s opening day, showcased the heart and skill of both fighters, with Yoon ultimately edging out a split decision victory to advance to the semifinals.
Jin Aoi, a Japanese featherweight with a reputation as a high-volume puncher, entered the fight with a strong regional resume. Known for his relentless striking and ability to land power shots, Aoi was looking to make a statement in the Road to UFC tournament, a platform designed to crown Asia’s next UFC stars. Representing Japan, Aoi carried the hopes of his fans to secure a UFC contract and join the ranks of his countrymen in the promotion.
Facing him was Chang Min Yoon, a South Korean fighter with a wealth of experience, including multiple professional wins in ONE Championship. Yoon, known for his superior volume striking and quality grappling, was a slight favorite at -105 odds, as noted by some fans on X. His wrestling and counter-boxing skills made him a formidable opponent, and he aimed to leverage his well-rounded game to outwork Aoi and advance in the tournament.
The stage was set for a classic striker-versus-grappler matchup, with Aoi’s power-punching style pitted against Yoon’s technical versatility. Fans anticipated a back-and-forth battle, and the fighters delivered exactly that.
From the opening bell, Yoon set the tone with his high-volume striking and grappling prowess. In the first round, he controlled the pace, landing consistent strikes and using his wrestling to keep Aoi on the defensive. Fans on X scored the round 10-9 in Yoon’s favor, citing his volume as the deciding factor. Aoi landed a few clean strikes, but Yoon’s relentless pressure gave him the edge.
The second round saw Aoi find his rhythm, closing out the frame with a flurry of significant power shots that registered with the judges and crowd. Some observers, including X users, debated whether Aoi’s late-round surge was enough to steal the round, with one post noting it as a “power vs. volume argument.” Yoon, however, continued to chip away with his consistent output, maintaining a slight lead heading into the final round.
In the third round, Aoi came out firing, landing heavy power shots that momentarily swung the momentum in his favor. Yoon responded with his own moments of brilliance, mixing strikes and grappling to keep the fight competitive. The round was a back-and-forth affair, with both fighters leaving everything in the octagon. As the final bell sounded, the outcome was too close to call, leaving the decision in the hands of the judges.
After three intense rounds, the judges rendered a split decision: two scored the fight 30-27 for Yoon, while one gave Aoi a 29-28 edge. Yoon’s victory was attributed to his superior volume and control in the early rounds, though Aoi’s late surge made it a razor-close contest. The official scorecard, shared by UFC News on X, confirmed Yoon’s advancement to the featherweight semifinals.
Chang Min Yoon’s hard-fought win earned him a spot in the Road to UFC Season 4 featherweight semifinals, set for August 22, 2025, in Shanghai. His performance showcased his durability and versatility, reinforcing his status as a top prospect. Yoon’s ability to outlast Aoi in a grueling 15-minute battle has fans optimistic about his chances of securing a UFC contract, with posts on X praising his “big heart” and resilience.
For Jin Aoi, the loss was a tough pill to swallow. Despite the defeat, his performance demonstrated his potential as a dangerous striker with the ability to turn fights around with power shots. Aoi is likely to return to regional promotions in Japan to refine his skills, with the Road to UFC serving as valuable experience for a potential future shot at the UFC roster.
The Road to UFC tournament continues to be a proving ground for Asia’s top MMA talents, with 17 UFC contracts awarded across its first three seasons. The Aoi vs. Yoon bout exemplified the high level of competition in the tournament, with both fighters showcasing the skills and heart needed to compete at the elite level. The event, broadcast live on UFC Fight Pass and Sony Sports Ten 2, highlighted the growing popularity of MMA in Asia, particularly in markets like Japan and South Korea.
Yoon’s victory adds to South Korea’s strong presence in the tournament, while Aoi’s performance underscores Japan’s deep pool of talent. As the Road to UFC progresses, fans are eager to see whether Yoon can capitalize on this momentum and claim the featherweight crown, potentially joining the likes of past winners in the UFC.
The Jin Aoi vs. Chang Min Yoon bout was a testament to the intensity and unpredictability of the Road to UFC. Yoon’s split decision victory was a hard-earned step toward his UFC dreams, while Aoi’s valiant effort earned him respect as a formidable contender. As Yoon prepares for his semifinal matchup, and Aoi regroups for his next challenge, this fight will be remembered as one of the most competitive and exciting of Road to UFC Season 4.
