The Past and Future 05.26.09: Yoshihiro Akiyama
Posted by Robert Steele on 05.26.2009
This week a profile of K-1 Hero’s and DREAM veteran Yoshihiro Akiyama. A look at his past fights and his upcoming UFC 100 debut against Alan Belcher.
Akiyama has made his move to fight in North America with the UFC. He has stepped away from his fame in Asia for a chance to fight at 185lbs in the UFC. He will debut quietly on a stacked UFC 100 card, fighting Alan Belcher.
The Past:
The Japanese-South Korean Yoshihiro Akiyama's career began with judo. He won numerous tournament titles, including the Asian Games. In 2003, at the World Judo Championship he was accused of having a slick substance on his gi. He was forced to use a replacement gi, and then lost subsequent fights. Later it would be indicated that the high humidity index, mixed with a detergent, was the cause of the slickness. Being slippery would haunt him later in his career.
His MMA career began with Dynamite! in 2004 against a notable boxer -- now current WBF Heavyweight Champion -- South African Francois Botha. Akiyama won via an armbar submission.
His second fight at Hero's inaugural event was against French K-1 legend Jerome LeBanner. LeBanner had a size and weight class advantage that caused Akiyama problems. Akiyama attempted to work on the ground from the top position, but could not produce anything. While standing near the ropes, LeBanner caught Akiyama with a knee to end the fight.
Akiyama would go on to win his next fights, all by way of a mix of KO and submission, including a gi choke. His big break-out came with his Hero's Light Heavyweight Grand Prix run. He ended it with a quick armbar victory over Dutch KO artist Melvin Manhoef.
His status would be short-lived, however, as he would be involved in another greasing scandal only two months later. Against wrestler Kazushi Sakuraba, he would win by stoppage. Sakuraba had complained about Akiyama's slickness -- this time on the body, not to do with a gi. Akiyama shrugged it off initially as sweat, but later confessed after video showed him applying an Olay lotion. He indicated it was due to dry skin. The fight was ruled a no contest.
Nearly a year later, Akiyama attempted to put everything behind him with a win over Denis Kang. The fight took place standing, with each man attempting to counter. Akiyama found an opening and landed an uppercut to finish the fight.
His next fight against Kazuo Misaki involved more controversy. After a few minutes of feeling out, Akiyama caught Misaki with a quick punch combination. He was not able to finish the fight with ground and pound, and Misaki was able to get back to his feet. Later Misaki was able to knock Akiyama down with a punch. As Akiyama was attempting to stand, Misaki kicked him in the head, causing a finish to the fight.
The fight was later ruled a no contest, as Akiyama was considered to have 4-points on the canvas as the head kick was delivered. It was very close, however, as Akiyama was in the process of being fully on his feet.
In his next fight, Akiyama fought wrestler Katsuyori Shibata while wearing a full judo gi. While it could have been as a statement regarding his previous greasing, it was more likely strategic. Shibata counter punched a spinning back kick from Akiyama. Akiyama missed a head kick and caught his foot on the top rope. Shibata took advantage of this by clinching Akiyama and striking him with a knee. Akiyama muscled around and swept Shibata to the mat. Akiyama found his way to mount and applied a choke with the use of his gi.
Akiyama would win another fight by way of armbar against Masanori Tonooka before signing with the UFC.
The Future:
The transition to UFC should be interesting for Akiyama. As Akiyama himself has indicated, Asian fighters have not faired well in the UFC to date. Much of this could be due to transitioning from ring-based promotions to the UFC octagon. The cage or octagon should not be much of a hurdle for Akiyama, as his style involves much standing and counter attacking. Some other Japanese fighters often make use of the ropes offensively, moving their opponents underneath them on the ground.
Provided he trains defensively on cage techniques, such as avoiding being pinned against the cage, he should not have too much difficulty in the transition. He has quick enough feet that he should be able to avoid and circle.
He is currently training with Yushin Okami and Caol Uno in Tokyo in preparation for his fight against Belcher. Okami will help Akiyama by imparting some knowledge from his UFC 62 win over Belcher.
Among all the storylines of Lesnar vs. Mir II, GSP vs. Alves, Bisping vs. Henderson, and the pomp of the event itself, it will be interesting to see if Akiyama can make a big name for himself in North America.
