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Yoshihiro Akiyama (13-2-2) has taken a major step in his UFC career and made the move to New Mexico's own Jackson's Jiu Jitsu to help prepare for UFC 120. He will be headlining the card on October 16 at the O2 Arena in London against Michael Bisping (19-3-0). Sources say that Akiyama has just started his training and that the move to Albuquerque is a permanent one.
Akiyama's move is a surprising one, as he is very vocal in his love for his home country of Japan. As a Japanese native, he prides himself on being the best there is in representing his homeland. This became very apparent at UFC 116, when his original opponent Wanderlei Silva had to drop the match due to injury. UFC vet Chris Leben stepped up to take the fight on short notice and Akiyama felt he should have had a tougher, more well known opponent. Silva is well known in Japan for his former PRIDE days. Leben ended up winning the match by triangle choke.
Akiyama's next match up will be a tough one as he steps into the Octagon with England's own Michael Bisping. Akiyama transition to Jackson's should help him improve on his stand up, as Bisping has the abilities to stand and bang. 12 of his 19 wins have come via knockout. "Sexyama" has exceptional Judo skills as seven of his 13 wins have come from submission. Both fighters are trying to move up the ranks as notable middleweight fighters looking for top contendership. This match could help Akiyama make his way to the match with Wanderlei Silva that was taken from him. With Coach Greg Jackson and Coach Winklejohn on his side, Akiyama could very well improve as a fighter and maybe one day hold the UFC middleweight belt.
Akiyama's move is a surprising one, as he is very vocal in his love for his home country of Japan. As a Japanese native, he prides himself on being the best there is in representing his homeland. This became very apparent at UFC 116, when his original opponent Wanderlei Silva had to drop the match due to injury. UFC vet Chris Leben stepped up to take the fight on short notice and Akiyama felt he should have had a tougher, more well known opponent. Silva is well known in Japan for his former PRIDE days. Leben ended up winning the match by triangle choke.
Akiyama's next match up will be a tough one as he steps into the Octagon with England's own Michael Bisping. Akiyama transition to Jackson's should help him improve on his stand up, as Bisping has the abilities to stand and bang. 12 of his 19 wins have come via knockout. "Sexyama" has exceptional Judo skills as seven of his 13 wins have come from submission. Both fighters are trying to move up the ranks as notable middleweight fighters looking for top contendership. This match could help Akiyama make his way to the match with Wanderlei Silva that was taken from him. With Coach Greg Jackson and Coach Winklejohn on his side, Akiyama could very well improve as a fighter and maybe one day hold the UFC middleweight belt.
Let's hope they can fix his gas tank issues.
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