UFC 116: Yoshihiro Akiyama - “Fight or Flight”
Yoshihiro Akiyama faces Chris Leben in the UFC 116 co-main event on July 3rd
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In only his second UFC bout, Yoshihiro Akiyama had earned his dream bout against MMA star Wanderlei Silva. Less than two weeks out from his UFC 116 co-main event bout, Silva had to back out because of injuries suffered while preparing. In stepped Chris Leben, a streaky, hard-hitting left hander who made Akiyama question whether to accept the new invitation. After the dust cleared, Akiyama accepted and agreed to face Leben at UFC 116 in the co-main event slot this Saturday.
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One has to agree with Akiyama about accepting this fight with Leben. While a victory would not hurt him in his hunt for the title, it would not help as much as a victory over Wandy would. A loss against Leben would drop Akiyama and erase any ground that he has gained towards the top of the middleweight division. When all is said and done, Akiyama needs to stay active and he would doesn’t have to adapt his strategy that much; Leben has a somewhat similar fighting style to Wanderlei.
If Akiyama wants to keep this fight on his feet, it’s pretty easy as to what he needs to do. Leben packs a lot of power in his punches but swings a little wild at times. Akiyama must avoid the big shots, in particular the left hooks, and pick his spots when to attack. Akiyama is an intelligent fighter and knows what to do in most situations. If he chooses to stand, he is capable of handling himself despite his lack of power.
What is probably his best chance of picking up the victory is taking Leben to the ground and putting him on his back. I think Akiyama’s chances of winning go way up if he can put Leben in uncomfortable positions. From top position, Akiyama can dictate where he wants to go. He may choose to work in a submission and finish Leben, or, he may choose to stay on top and tire him out in hopes of grinding out a decision victory. Again, his lack of power decreases the chance of a TKO stoppage, but in this sport anything is possible. I like Akiyama’s chances if he is able to take Leben to the ground.
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However you break it down, this is a tricky bout for the UFC sophomore. Leben is on a hot streak and confidence is a good thing to have in this sport. I believe however, that Akiyama’s intelligence will carry him through and hopefully set him up for a future date against Wandy or another top middleweight. Either way, the fact that Akiyama accepted gives us, the fans, an opportunity to see one of the organization’s newest stars in action.
By Nick Russell
ProFighting-fans.com Senior MMA Staff Writer