UFC 144 – Yoshihiro Akiyama looking to have a sexy fight against Jake Shields
Japanese MMA star, Yoshihiro Akiyama makes his UFC welterweight debut this weekend against former Strikeforce champion, Jake Shields, with the man dubbed “Sexyama” focused not only on a fresh start after a difficult run but empowering his people after a tough twelve months.
Speaking via MMAJunkie.com, Akiyama said:
“All the Japanese fighters who compete at UFC 144 are very responsible to have this event be successful. At the same time last year we had this huge disaster happen, so I think all the Japanese fighters are really wishing to have a great show so we can encourage people who suffered from the disaster.”
“I am responsible to make UFC even bigger in Japan, so I wish to do my best in the octagon.”
On his UFC 144 opponent, Jake Shields, Akiyama said:
“Of course, he’s a former Strikeforce champion and he’s more experienced, and he’s got power. So I think I consider myself the challenger in the fight. I think I can restart my fighting career here. I wish to show a sexy fight in Japan.”
Akiyama is looking to get his octagon career going after picking up a trio of defeats against Chris Leben, Michael Bisping and Vitor Belfort. His sole win inside the octagon has come via split decision over Alan Belcher. Stay tuned to MMABay for more build-up to this one as we get it.
By Michael Pepper. (Follow me on Twitter)
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