MMA-URLS

An injury has knocked Yoshihiro Akiyama out of his UFC 149 fight against Thiago Alves. Stepping in to take his place on the July card is Siyar Bahadarzada.

Posted in: yoshihiro, thiago alves, yoshihiro akiyama, july card, siyar bahadarzada

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The injury bug has bitten once again. This time, it's UFC 149 that was delivered a blow as Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) officials reported today (May, 8, 2012) that Yoshihiro Akiyama has suffered an undisclosed injury and will be forced to bow out of his Welterweight fight against the hard-hitting Thiago Alves, which was set to go down on July 21, 2012, at the Scotibank Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. No worries though because Siyar Bahadurzada has agreed to step up in for the injured Japanese star and take on "The Pitbull" in a fight that promises to be full of fireworks between the two stand-up specialists. Siyar made his long-awaited UFC debut back on April 14, 2012 in impressive fashion, knocking out Paulo Thiago in the very first minute of the opening round at UFC on Fuel TV 2, which took place in Stockholm, Sweden, extending his win streak to seven. Barely breaking a sweat against Thiago, "The Killer" was a prime candidate to step in against the American Top Team (ATT) trained-fighter. Alves is coming off of a heart-breaking loss to Martin Kampmann at UFC on FX: "Alves vs. Kampmann" two months ago in a bout that he had all but wrapped up. With less than one minute remaining in the final round, Alves inexplicably shot in for a takedown against "The Hitman," and it wall she wrote from there as the Dane locked in air-tight guillotine that forced the Brazilian to tap. Looking to get back on track, "The Pitbull" will have his hands full against Bahadurzada, who says he always aims for an early knockout. UFC 149 will feature a Featherweight title fight between the UFC's 145-pound champion Jose Aldo taking on Erik Koch and a co-main event fight that will feature two heavy-handed Light Heavyweight's in Mauricio Rua and Thiago Silva. Also on the card, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira will make his return after suffering a broken arm at the hands of Frank Mir at UFC 140 last December to take on striker Cheick Kongo, while Michael Bisping looks to get back into the win column against Tim Boetsch. For more information on UFC 149 be sure to hit up or complete event archive right here.

Posted in: ufc, fight, alve, yoshihiro akiyama, thiago

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Siyar Bahadurzada said he wanted to get back into action as soon as possible after he found out his hand wasn't broken. He'll get his wish as a late replacement for an injured Yoshihiro Akiyama. UFC.com has the news: After a spectacular UFC debut in April that netted him a 42 second knockout of Paulo Thiago, Siyar Bahadurzada will jump right back into action at UFC 149 in Calgary when he replaces the injured Yoshihiro Akiyama against longtime welterweight contender Thiago Alves. The bout will take place at Scotiabank Saddledome on July 21st. There's no word as to what is actually wrong with Akiyama. As mentioned above, Siyar is coming off his excellent UFC debut at UFC on Fuel 2 last month. Alves is coming off a late submission loss to Martin Kampmann at UFC on FX 2 in March. The bout is expected to stay on the main card of the Calgary event, which is headlined by a UFC featherweight title bout between champion Jose Aldo and challenger Erik Koch. SBN coverage of UFC 149: Aldo vs. Koch

Posted in: ufc, ufc debut, siyar, akiyama, yoshihiro akiyama

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Moments after UFC officials announced that Yoshihiro Akiyama had to drop off the UFC 149 fight card in Calgary, they revealed that Rich Attonito is also off the UFC on FX 4 fight card. Retweet this Share on Facebook • Email • StumbleUpon • Reddit • Digg • Technorati • Instapaper • Tumblr • Google Reader • LinkedIn

Posted in: ufc, ufc officials, rick story, yoshihiro akiyama, bull

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July's UFC 149 event has a fairly significant change: Siyar Bahadurzada has replaced injured Yoshihiro Akiyama and now meets Thiago Alves. Officials from the UFC's Brazilian office today announced the change. UFC 149 takes place July 21 at Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo headlines in a five-round title fight with challenger Erik Koch.

Posted in: ufc, siyar bahadurzada, bahadurzada, yoshihiro akiyama, scotiabank saddledome

Read the full article at MMA Junkie

The UFC’s upcoming return to Canada further took shape last night with the addition of two new bouts to the July 21 card in Calgary including an intriguing welterweight match-up between Thiago Alves and Yoshihiro Akiyama. Both fighters are known for turning in entertaining efforts but have struggled to find success lately inside the Octagon. The match-up was confirmed by UFC officials online as was a fight featuring featherweights George Roop (12-9) and Antonio Carvalho (13-5). A hard-hitting striker, the 19-9 Alves earned a reputation for himself as a devastating finisher during a three-year stretch where he won nine of ten fights including seven straight to earn a crack at the championship. However, since falling to Georges St. Pierre in the title-bout the 28-year old has a losing record with a last-minute submission defeat to Martin Kampmann in his most recent outing. Akiyama’s career could also use the momentum of a victory after having come up short in four consecutive clashes. Known for his heart and high-level technique, Akiyama has finished twelve of the thirteen opponents he’s beaten including Melvin Manhoef and Denis Kang. UFC 149 is scheduled to feature 145-pound champ Jose Aldo putting his belt on the line in headlining action though no opponent has been named for the explosive Brazilian’s defense. PHOTO CREDIT – UFC

Posted in: ufc, ufc officials, akiyama, yoshihiro akiyama, melvin manhoef

Read the full article at Five Ounces of Pain

A weltwerweight matchup between Thiago Alves and Yoshihiro Akiyama has been targeted for UFC 149 July 21 in Calgary, according to reports.

Posted in: ufc, thiago alves, yoshihiro akiyama, calgary, weltwerweight matchup

Read the full article at sportsnet.ca

A weltwerweight matchup between Thiago Alves and Yoshihiro Akiyama has been set for UFC 149 July 21 in Calgary, a source told Sportsnet.

Posted in: ufc, thiago alves, yoshihiro akiyama, calgary, weltwerweight matchup

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A welterweight bout between Yoshihiro Akiyama and Thiago Alves has been targeted for July's UFC 149 event. Both fighters have agreed to the summer matchup, sources close to the event told MMAjunkie.com. MMAFighting.com initially reported the fight. UFC 149 takes place July 21 at Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo headlines against an opponent to be announced.

Posted in: ufc, thiago alves, yoshihiro akiyama, mmajunkiecom mmafightingcom, scotiabank saddledome

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Jake Shields entered the UFC fresh off being named the Strikeforce middleweight champion. However, Shields did not remain in that division, instead opting to slide down to welterweight. After defeating Martin Kampmann, Shields earned a shot at UFC welterweight champ Georges St-Pierre. GSP defeated Shields, and Jake Ellenberger earned a KO victory over Shields in his next match, as well. Now, the California fighter is contemplating a move back to middleweight, as he told Damon Martin of MMA Weekly recently. Right now, I’m trying to bulk up and see how I feel. It’s not 100-percent, but I’m waiting to see on an opponent and then I’ll take it of course. I’m in no rush. If they call with an opponent at 85, I’d take it right now cause I’ll have enough time to bulk up. I’m not opposed to fighting at 70. If they call with a good offer for a fight at 70, then I’d take that, as well. In his last bout, Shields defeated Yoshihiro Akiyama via decision. The move to middleweight would allow Shields a clearer path to a possible title shot, along with the opportunity to not worry about cutting as much weight as he currently is. Also, Shields has talked about wanting to face UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva in the past, so there is always that gold at the end of the rainbow for him. Photo credit: Esther Lin/MMA Fighting

Posted in: jake shields, shield, jake, middleweight, yoshihiro akiyama

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After going 2-2 during his four-fight run inside the Octagon as a welterweight Jake Shields has decided to return to 185 pounds where found success in Strikeforce where he held the divisional title. Shields also competed at 170 pounds earlier in his career, picking up wins over the likes of Mike Pyle, Paul Daley, and Carlos Condit, but apparently felt weak in his recent fights, citing the strain of cutting down to make the welterweight limit as the reason for his move back up. The news was first revealed on this week’s episode of UFC Tonight. A Closer Look at Shields’ Recent Win Over Yoshihiro Akiyama As a 185-pounder Shields has looked sharp, notching wins over a number of respected adversaries such as Robbie Lawler, Yushin Okami, Jason Miller, and perhaps most memorably Dan Henderson. In the match-up with “Hendo”, Shields was able to weather an early storm nearly seeing him knocked out cold to out-grapple the former Olympic wrestler for the remaining rounds. PHOTO CREDIT – STRIKEFORCE Tweet

Posted in: jake shields, shield, carlos condit, yoshihiro akiyama, title shields

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Jake Shields’ time at Welterweight has come to an end. According to Tuesday night’s edition of Fuel TV’s UFC Tonight, Shields will move to the 185 pound division for his next fight. Shields has four fights at Welterweight in the UFC and he has put together a record of 2-2.   It should be noted that Shields will be making the move up in weight after winning his last fight, a unanimous decision victory over Yoshihiro Akiyama, a fighter that had dropped from Middleweight to

Posted in: fight, shield, decision victory, yoshihiro akiyama, fight shields

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Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) number one Welterweight (170 pounds) contender Jake Shields will make the move back up to Middleweight (185 pounds) effective immediately. The announcement was made tonight (March 27, 2012) on FUEL TV's "UFC Tonight" weekly broadcast. No potential opponent for Shields was announced nor is known at this time. Shields, who is coming off a unanimous decision win over Yoshihiro Akiyama at UFC 144 on Feb. 25, 2012, has spent time at both welterweight and middleweight over the course of his 34-fight professional mixed martial arts (MMA) career. According to the report, Shields feels healthier at 185 pounds, revealing that the weight cut down to 170 pounds is just too much for him. The plan, reportedly, is for Shields -- who is a former Strikeforce Middleweight Champion -- to add more muscle to his frame, and then return to the Octagon in late summer (either July or August 2012). UFC.com had the following official press release on Shields' return to the 185-pound division: "The Californian is no stranger to middleweight though, having won a Strikeforce title there, and among his victims in the division are Dan Henderson Jason Miller, and Robbie Lawler. Shields is coming off a UFC 144 win over Yoshihiro Akiyama in February." Since Shields debuted for the UFC in Oct. 2010, the Cesar Gracie team member (and "Scrap Pack" alum) has gone 2-2, notching victories over the aforementioned Akiyama and Martin Kampmann, while suffering defeat at the hands of Jake Ellenberger and UFC Welterweight Champion Georges St. Pierre. While he did lose to "GSP," many considered it to be the closest anyone has fought the Canadian juggernaut in a very long time. Nonetheless, the switch presents an interesting opportunity for a rematch between Shields and Dan Henderson, who lost his belt to Shields while both fighters fought under the Strikeforce banner. "Hendo" had recently commented on his dissatisfaction with the UFC's decision to give Rashad Evans the next crack at Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones' belt at UFC 145 on Apr. 21, 2012, expressing that he believes himself to be a more worthy contender. Perhaps he'll be interested in a exacting revenge. Even if he is not, there are certainly plenty of other intriguing match ups for Shields at 185 pounds. And, of course, there is always "Mayhem," who nearly scored a submission victory over Shields and then almost got killed in the cage requesting a rematch.

Posted in: ufc, shield, pound, middleweight, yoshihiro akiyama

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According to a report on FUEL TV's UFC Tonight Tuesday, former UFC welterweight title challenger Jake Shields is moving up to the 185-pound division later this year.The Californian is no stranger to middleweight though, having won a Strikeforce title there, and among his victims in the division are Dan Henderson Jason Miller, and Robbie Lawler. Shields is coming off a UFC 144 win over Yoshihiro Akiyama in February.

Posted in: ufc, shield, yoshihiro akiyama, strikeforce title, yearthe californian

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Jake Shields and his head trainer Tareq Azim talk to HeavyMMA's Duane Finley about Shields' recent win over Yoshihiro Akiyama, his future in the UFC and much more.

Posted in: jake shields, shield, jake, trainer, yoshihiro akiyama

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SAITAMA, Japan - Jake Shields' relentless pressure may have earned him a decision win over Yoshihiro Akiyama. But the margin by which he did it was highly suspect. After three rounds, judges awarded the welterweight every round of the fight. The fight took place on the main card of UFC 144, which took place at Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan. It aired live on pay-per-view following prelims on FX and Facebook.

Posted in: shield, saitama, saitama japan, yoshihiro akiyama, rounds judges

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All 24 fighters taking part in Saturday night's UFC 144 fights will first step on the scale on Friday night at the UFC 144 weigh-in, and we'll have the live video here at MMAFighting.com. In the main event, lightweight champion Frankie Edgar and No. 1 contender Ben Henderson will have to make the limit of 155 pounds. Also worth watching is Yoshihiro Akiyama, moving down to welterweight to take on Jake Shields, and having to make 171 pounds. The UFC 144 weigh-in takes place at 11 p.m. Eastern on Friday (Saturday afternoon in Japan) and the video is below.

Posted in: ufc, jake shields, video, weighin, yoshihiro akiyama

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Jake Shields is ready to restart things in 2012 with a win over Yoshihiro Akiyama at UFC 144, and then he might even go gunning for a rematch with Carlos Condit...

Posted in: ufc, shield, jake, rematch, yoshihiro akiyama

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Yoshihiro Akiyama talks to the press at the UFC 144 Pre-Fight Press Conference. He feels that he and other athletes need to cheer up the people of Japan and win for them.

Posted in: people, yoshihiro, akiyama, yoshihiro akiyama, athletes need

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Yoshihiro Akiyama has lost three straight bouts, but he could be a different fighter when he meets Jake Shields on Feb. 26 at UFC 144.

Posted in: ufc, jake shields, shield, jake, yoshihiro akiyama

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Full video of the UFC 144 pre-fight press conference from Japan. Dana White, Frankie Edgar, Ben Henderson, Rampage Jackson, Ryan Bader, Jake Shields and Yoshihiro Akiyama were all in attendance.

Posted in: conference, video, prefight, yoshihiro akiyama, japan dana

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Jake Shields is looking to put a difficult 2011 – including back-to-back losses and the death of his father – behind him as he squares off with Yoshihiro Akiyama at UFC 144.

Posted in: jake shields, shield, backtoback losses, yoshihiro akiyama, father – 

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Former Strikeforce Champion Jake Shields, who will look to get back in the win column against Yoshihiro Akiyama at UFC 144, discusses his opponent, as well as his training and preparation for the bout. Shields also talks about his Cesar Gracie Jiu-Jitsu teammate, Nick Diaz, explaining that, though "The Stockton Bad Boy" is a little "burned-out," he is unlikely to retire.

Posted in: shield, diaz, nick, yoshihiro akiyama, bout shields

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TOKYO -- Just days ahead of his bout with Jake Shields at UFC 144, Yoshihiro Akiyama discusses how the Japanese fans will receive him, the arrival of a 'new Akiyama style', how he felt about the drop to welterweight and which leading Hollywood actor inspires his fashion choices.

Posted in: jake shields, akiyama, yoshihiro akiyama, japanese fans, hollywood actor

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Strikeforce lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez talks to HeavyMMA's Megan Olivi in Japan about cornering Jake Shields against Yoshihiro Akiyama at UFC 144 and what will be next for him.

Posted in: ufc, jake shields, melendez, gilbert, yoshihiro akiyama

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TOKYO -- Watch below as Jake Shields talks about his UFC 144 fight against Yoshihiro Akiyama, his return to Japan, why he doesn't regret fighting Jake Ellenberger immediately following the death of his father, how he is looking past his recent losing streak, and more.

Posted in: shield, jake ellenberger, jake, yoshihiro akiyama, father tokyo

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The Ultimate Fighting Championship returns to Japan this Saturday, February 25. The main event on the card, UFC 144, will feature a main event bout that will see Frankie Edgar defend his UFC Lightweight title against former WEC Lightweight Champion Benson Henderson. The co-main event will feature a Light Heavyweight scrap between Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and Ryan Bader. Also appearing on the card will be Yoshihiro Akiyama, who makes his Welterweight debut in a bout with former Strikeforce

Posted in: ufc, event bout, ryan bader, welterweight debut, yoshihiro akiyama

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Mixed Martial Arts legend Vitor "The Phenom" Belfort continues his preparations for the UFC 142 encounter with Anthony "Rumble" Johnson, which will take place on January 14th in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Belfort bounced back from defeat to Anderson Silva with a convincing performance against Yoshihiro Akiyama, and will look to make a statement he's title-shot worthy against Johnson. However, Belfort is still expected to face his TUF: Brazil opponent Wanderlei Silva sometime in mid-2012. Further Reading:

Posted in: anderson silva, belfort, brazil, phenom belfort, yoshihiro akiyama

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Middleweight remains on the mind of former Strikeforce 185-pound champ Jake Shields, even though he's preparing for a welterweight fight with Yoshihiro Akiyama at UFC 144.

Posted in: jake shields, jake, yoshihiro akiyama, welterweight fight, middleweight middleweight

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Fans may occasionally get glimpses of a UFC fighter’s camp thanks to a few snippets on UFC Countdown or UFC All-Access but rarely do they get to check in on his preparation from start to finish. However, when it comes to former champion Vitor Belfort‘s January 14 clash with Anthony Johnson at UFC 142, “The Phenom” has invited cameras into the gym to document the entire process. “We don’t have nothin to hide,” said Belfort in a preview for the upcoming series of videos. “Everyone knows when they face me they will face a nightmare. I’m gonna be ready and I promise you guys it’s gonna be a terrific show.” Belfort has Future Date with Wanderlei Silva Belfort will be looking for his second straight win since losing to Anderson Silva with the first coming in devastating fashion against Yoshihiro Akiyama at UFC 133. He holds an overall record of 20-9 with fourteen TKOs to his credit. Check out the first offering from Belfort’s camp below: Tweet

Posted in: ufc, belfort, camp, yoshihiro akiyama, ufc countdown

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Michael Bisping and Jason “Mayhem” Miller will face off on Saturday in the main event of “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 14 Finale.  Bisping is currently riding a three fight winning streak, defeating Dan Miller and Yoshihiro Akiyama by unanimous decision and Jorge Rivera via TKOin his last three fights. Miller has not fought since September 2010, when he submitted Kazushi Sakuraba at DREAM 16. Miller and Bisping were the coaches on opposing teams during the most recent season of

Posted in: miller, bisping, kazushi sakuraba, ufc fighters, yoshihiro akiyama

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Tickets for UFC 144: "Edgar vs. Henderson," which was recently made official for the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan, on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2012, will go on sale to the general public on Fri., Dec. 10, 2011. Fans can get an early jump on ticket sales through UFC Mobile, which is offering a special pre-sale beginning today (Nov. 28), followed by WOWOW and Nikkan Sports on Tuesday (Nov. 29). UFC 144 will be headlined by a 155-pound title fight featuring Ben Henderson, fresh off his unanimous decision win over Clay Guida, taking on reigning lightweight champion Frankie Edgar. In addition, Jake Shields returns to action against Yoshihiro Akiyama, while Anthony Pettis and Joe Lauzon collide in what promises to be an exciting lightweight attraction. And what Japanese fight card would be complete without the addition of Quinton Jackson? "Rampage" will take on Ryan Bader in a light heavyweight tilt. UFC 144 tickets can be purchased through StubHub.com (Note: StubHub often has seats available even if the event is "sold out"). It will also be available to watch on Sat., Feb. 25, 2012, live via pay-per-view at 10 p.m. ET, due to time zone differences. For the latest UFC 144 news and notes be sure to check out our complete archive right here.

Posted in: ufc, sale, ticket, saitama, yoshihiro akiyama

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Just days after complaining on Twitter that he wouldn't be fighting in Japan when the UFC returns to the country on Feb. 26 at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Quinton Jackson has been booked for exactly that. "Rampage" will take on Ryan Bader in a light heavyweight contest on the main card of UFC 144, which is scheduled to air stateside on Feb. 25 on pay-per-view, according to ESPN.com. This leaves Stephan Bonnar, who had been campaigning for a bout against the former champion, out in the cold. Jackson gets his wish to fight in his beloved "Land of the Rising Sun" after saying he was "not happy at all" about not fighting in Japan thinking it was "a big mistake by the UFC." All is forgiven now, I'm sure. "Rampage" will be attempting to rebound from his failed bid to win back the light heavyweight championship against Jon Jones this past Sept. 24 in Denver. In that fight, Jackson was outclassed, outgunned, out-everything-you-can-think-of-ed. When all was said and done, he was tapping to a rear-naked choke in the fourth round, just the second time he's done so in his career. Bader, meanwhile, competed just this past weekend at UFC 139, scoring a first round knockout victory over Jason Brilz. The fact that he barely broke a sweat made it possible for him to have such a quick turnaround to fight in February. That win was "Darth's" first in three fights. But if he can get past Jackson, he'll be right back at the top of the contender line. UFC 144 is expected to be headlined by a 155-pound title fight featuring Ben Henderson, fresh off his unanimous decision win over Clay Guida, taking on reigning lightweight champion Frankie Edgar. In addition, Jake Shields returns to action against Yoshihiro Akiyama, while Yushin Okami battles Tim Boetsch in a manly middleweight match up. For the latest UFC 144 news and notes be sure to check out our complete archive right here.

Posted in: ufc, fight, jackson, yoshihiro akiyama, jackson hell

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Japanese fans are in for a treat, as the UFC has announced Yoshihiro Akiyama will make his long-awaited welterweight debut as part of the organization’s February 26 stop in Saitama Japan for UFC 144. Better yet, continuing the trend of apt adversaries for Akiyama, the 13-4 Judoka will face former Strikeforce champion Jake Shields for what should be a co-headliner alongside Frankie Edgar’s title-defense against Ben Henderson. Only 5’10”, Akiyama made the decision to drop to 170 pounds after falling in three straight fights including a brutal knockout loss to Vitor Belfort in August. He holds past wins in his career over Melvin Manhoef, Denis Kang, and Alan Belcher, as well as a number of exciting performances to his credit including a “Fight of the Year” candidate against Chris Leben at UFC 116. Shields is also coming off a strike-based stoppage after Jake Ellenberger finished him off less than a minute into their headlining bout at UFC Battle on the Bayou. Prior to the defeat he had gone the distance against Georges St. Pierre, becoming the first fighter to win a round from the Canadian champ in years, and entered the title-fight coming off victories over Martin Kampmann, Jason Miller, and Dan Henderson. PHOTO CREDIT – UFC

Posted in: ufc, knockout loss, saitama japan, akiyama, yoshihiro akiyama

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Jake Shields will travel to Japan for his next fight as he faces former middleweight Yoshihiro Akiyama at UFC 144.

Posted in: ufc, jake shields, shield, jake, yoshihiro akiyama

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"Sexyama" is making his welterweight debut. UFC officials today announced Yoshihiro Akiyama will drop to 170 pounds for a February meeting with former Strikeforce champ Jake Shields. The two meet on the main card of UFC 144, which takes place Feb. 26 at Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan.

Posted in: ufc, jake shields, yoshihiro akiyama, japan sexyama, february meeting

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UFC officials announced on Monday that Jake Shields will meet Yoshihiro Akiyama at UFC 144 in Japan.

Posted in: ufc, jake shields, shield, jake, yoshihiro akiyama

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Filed under: UFC, NewsYoshihiro Akiyama will make the move down to welterweight to tangle with former divisional No. 1 contender Jake Shields at UFC 144 in Japan. The UFC confirmed the bout on Monday afternoon. Akiyama had lost three straight as a middleweight, dropping bouts to Vitor Belfort, Michael Bisping and Chris Leben, and it had been feared that he may be cut from the promotion. Instead, he finds new life as a 170-pounder. The 36-year-old, who is 13-4 with 2 no contests, will no doubt help sell tickets in his native Japan. Meanwhile, Shields will be looking to bounce back from his 53-second knockout loss at the hands of Jake Ellenberger in September. The defeat came just two weeks after the passing of his father, Jack. Shields is 26-6-1 overall. UFC 144 will take place at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan and features a main event of UFC lightweight champ Frank Edgar against challenger Ben Henderson. Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Posted in: ufc, shield, jake, akiyama, yoshihiro akiyama

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After going 1-4 during his middleweight run in the UFC, Yoshihiro Akiyama listened to those that said he should be fighting at 170 pounds instead of 185. “Sexyama” will make his debut at welterweight at welterweight at UFC 144, which will take place on February 26, 2012 at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan. Akiyama’s opponent for the fight, according to the UFC, will be Jake Shields. Akiyama came to the UFC in July of 2009 with a record of 13-1-0-2. He earned a split decision over

Posted in: ufc, shield, split decision, akiyama, yoshihiro akiyama

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Many have called for Yoshihiro Akiyama to drop down to welterweight ever since he debuted in the UFC with a narrow victory over Alan Belcher. After losing his last three, Akiyama finally decided to go for it. To make sure he could do it though, Akiyama did a test cut and the picture above is the result. According to MMA Fighting’s Japanese MMA reporter, Daniel Herbertson, Akiyama dropped from 203-205 lbs. to 170 lbs. in only four weeks, but said the last 12 lbs. were “quite hard.” Regardless, Akiyama made it and we’ll be seeing him at welterweight next. The questions now are when and against who?

Posted in: alan belcher, lb, test, akiyama, yoshihiro akiyama

Read the full article at MMA Convert