![UFC Grappler Fight Short [Blue]](http://www.ufcstore.com/img/product/resized/675/00361523-633675_catl_200.jpg?k=023f20a7&pid=361523&s=catl&sn=ufcstore)
By Thomas Gerbasi
While the NFL’s free agent signing frenzy makes headlines in sports sections around the United States, in Asia, all the chatter is about the UFC’s new signee, middleweight contender Yoshihiro Akiyama, who made his entrance into the Octagon official during press conferences in Tokyo and Korea last week.
And though there were many suitors lining up for a chance to bring the 33-year old Osaka native into the fold, in the end, Akiyama decided that fighting in the UFC and in the United States was the right move for him and his career.
“I felt that venturing out overseas had a bigger meaning to me,” said Akiyama, who inked a two year, six fight deal with the organization. He expects to make his UFC debut this summer, and while no opponent has been determined for the fight, he hopes to fight his first UFC bout on perhaps the biggest show of the year.
“No details about dates have been discussed,” he told reporters, “but I have informed the UFC about my desire to fight at UFC 100”.
In the meantime, Akiyama will be hitting the gym to prepare for life in a UFC middleweight division ruled by Anderson Silva. Silva is the ultimate goal for Akiyama, but at the press conferences at the Mitsubishi Building in Tokyo and at the Seoul Millennium Hilton Hotel in Seoul, he expressed interest in possible matches with Wanderlei Silva and Yushin Okami, should Okami should become champion, as Akiyama hopes. Oddly enough, Akiyama had recently trained with Okami and former UFC lightweight title challenger Caol Uno at the Keishukai gym, learning about the different techniques that he’ll be seeing in the UFC, as well as picking up tips on dealing with fighting in the Octagon.
Now training in Hawaii, Akiyama (who also announced big news in his personal life this week as he filed the paperwork for his marriage to model and television personality Shiho Yano) has been invited to April’s UFC 97 show in Montreal to get an up close look at the Anderson Silva when he defends his title against Thales Leites. There, he will get a taste of what awaits him this summer in terms of the level of fighters and the atmosphere surrounding the event. It’s something Akiyama is ready for.
“I will do my best in America,” he said.
- SCHEDULE
- Results
- Upcoming Events
- UFC 162 Live on Pay-Per-View Silva vs. Weidman
- UFC on FOX 8 Live from Seattle Johnson vs. Moraga
- UFC 163 Live on Pay-Per-View Aldo vs. Jung
- UFC on FOX Sports 1 Shogun vs. Sonnen Aug. 17 on FOX Sports 1
- UFC on FOX Sports 1 Condit vs. Kampmann 2 Aug. 28 on FOX Sports 1
- UFC 164 Harley-Davidson Hometown Throwdown Live on Pay-Per-View
- FIGHTERS
- Notable Fighters
- Notable Fighters
- VIDEO
Featured Videos
Akiyama Fever Grows after Press Conferences in Japan and Korea
Thomas Gerbasi, UFC - While the NFL’s free agent signing frenzy makes headlines in sports sections around the United States, in Asia, all the chatter is about the UFC’s new signee, middleweight contender Yoshihiro Akiyama, who made his entrance into the Octagon official during press conferences in Tokyo and Korea last week.
Saturday, July 6
10PM/7PM
ETPT
Las Vegas, Nevada
Media
Recent
Popular
UFC light heavyweight geniuses Forrest Griffin and Phil Davis mull over some necessary changes to the rulebook and lobby for an Eye Poke of the Night bonus.
Jun 19, 2013
In 2008, middleweight champion Anderson Silva moved up in weight to 205 to see if his power would still be a threat at light heavyweight. It was.
Jun 18, 2013
Every fighter has weak points and every fighter makes mistakes. On July 6, Anderson Silva plans to be the one who's shored up his weak points and capitalizes on Chris Weidman's mistakes.
Jun 17, 2013
From block party to prelims to post-main event, get an all-access look at Winnipeg's first-ever UFC event.
Jun 17, 2013
N. Diaz vs. R. Lawler, N. Diaz vs. K. Oishi, and D. Sanchez vs. B. Gassaway are featured in this episode of UFC Unleashed.
Oct 31, 2005
In just his second fight inside the Octagon, Anderson Silva challenged Rich Franklin for the UFC middleweight crown. watch the fight here - for free!
Jun 17, 2013
At UFC 135 Jon Jones successfully defended his light heavyweight title after sinking in a rear naked choke on Rampage Jackson.
Apr 24, 2013
In 2008, middleweight champion Anderson Silva moved up in weight to 205 to see if his power would still be a threat at light heavyweight. It was.
Jun 18, 2013
Comments