Yoshihiro Akiyama looking to make UFC Welterweight debut in Japan
Posted on September 3, 2011, 10:19 PM by Trent Reinsmith
Since coming to the UFC Yoshihiro Akiyama has gone 1-3 with three straight losses. Akiyama has fought in the Middleweight division since his UFC debut at UFC 100. Following his most recent defeat, a knockout loss to Vitor Belfort at UFC 133, Dana White told Ariel Helwani, “Since Akiyama’s come into the UFC, we begged him, me and Lorenzo (Fertitta) begged him to go to 170, you know, the guy could make 170, it would be interesting to see him at 170...” – For complete interview with Dana White, visit MMAFighting.com.
It looks as if White and Fertitta may get their wish as MMAFighting.com (via Sponichi) is reporting that Akiyama is going to drop to Welterweight and is looking to train with UFC Welterweight Champion Georges St. Pierre.
The report also states that Akiyama would like to make his Welterweight debut when the UFC travels to Japan in early 2012.
Photo: UFC fighter Yoshihiro Akiyama of Japan during a training session before UFC 116 on June 30, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Francis Specker
Comments
have him fight the stun gun at 170, Judo vs Judo
Him and Dan Hardy would be nice since they are both on the brink of being fired and would definitely come to bang and give everything.
This is the division he can shine in, definitely should revitalize his career long as he doesn't strike too much.
He must stop loosing... the same thing happens each time, though he has amazing talent and dexterity, he throws hard, gases, then slowly looses momentum and his togetherness. Akiyami has every tool needed except for endurance, this is when trading training camps is key.
like sokoju(not sure how you spell it)
Omgoodness, the second Sokoudjou's family finds out he's fighting, the next comment will be, "You've been knocked out 7 times!!??" .... If your gonna sneak and do something, atleast do it well... sad story for Soko...
i saw a highlight of akiyama and it shows hes really good, hes just ben losing to otp contenders. i hope hes successful at 170, just not against kos
i guess its the right move, i was half expecting a fight with him at MW though in Japan against Wanderlei Silva
Be interesting to see. I think Akiyama is a good fighter but his run of opponents has been odd. Every time he has lost the UFC have given him someone harder than his last opponent.
War Akiyama!!!