The Ultimate Fighting Championship announced early Saturday morning that Japanese middleweight Yoshihiro “Sexyama” Akiyama (13-3, 2NC) would not be facing Nate Marquardt (30-10-2) at next weekends UFC 128 event in Newark, New Jersey because of the tragedy that has struck Japan.
Stepping in for Akiyama will be Dan Miller (13-4, 1NC) who comes into the fight on a two fight win streak after losing three straight. Dan will appear on the same card as his brother Jim, who faces Kamal Shalorus, and will mark the first time that both brothers will fight on the main card of a UFC event.
Miller earned a split decision over Joe Doerksen at UFC 124 and submitted John Salter at UFC 118 in his last two victories. The three losses were to Michael Bisping at UFC 114, Demian Maia at UFC 109, and Chael Sonnen at UFC 98.
UFC President Dana White announced today another change to next weekend’s main card. “Yoshihiro Akiyama will not be able to participate at UFC 128 due to the tragedy in Japan,” said White.
“New Jersey native Dan Miller proves once again that he will fight anyone, anywhere, any time by agreeing to step up from the prelims to face Nate Marquardt,” added White. “Marquardt has long been a top ten ranked middleweight and Miller jumped at the opportunity to face him.”
UFC 128: Shogun vs. Jones takes place on March 19 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey and features a UFC light heavyweight title bout between champion Mauricio “Shogun” Rua, who defends his belt for the first time against rising star Jon “Bones” Jones.
HT: UFC.com