On April 2, Shinya Aoki had a public training at Deep official gym "Impact" in Tokyo. Aoki faces Hayato "Mach" Sakurai at Dream.8 on April 5.

Aoki said, "Mach is very strong and has powerful punches, but I have a confidence to win this fight because I have defeated opponents like him with my clever fighting plan. In MMA, a fighter like me can defeat powerful strikers. I analyze my opponents, find their weakness and make a smart plan. I'm not saying that I'm smarter than Mach; although, I'm definitely better making a strategic plan. He will fall right into my trap and be defeated." Aoki considers Andre Galvao will move to the welterweight GP final. "I heard the remaining contestants were interested in fighting Mach and me. I think they are not good enough to face us and doesn't have what it takes to be the welterweight champion."