I’m looking, but I don’t see one ounce I’d be willing to part with.
It looks like Dana White is getting his wish. Following his first round KO loss to Vitor Belfort at UFC 133, Yoshihiro Akiyama will be making the cut to 170lbs. Like any professional model, “Sexiyama” knows that thin is in, and after dropping three straight in the Middleweight division the judoka hopes to reignite his career as a welterweight.
Akiyama strutted into the Octogon sporting a 12-1 (2 no contests) record in Japan, but he hasn’t fared too well in the UFC. After snatching a split decision win over Alan Belcher, he fell victim to a last minute Chris Leben triangle, was outpointed by Michael Bisping, and dropped cold by “The Phenom”. Although he has lined his pockets with an additional $135k thanks to three “Fight of the Night” bonuses, at some point you’ve got to pick up a ‘W’ if you want to keep fighting under the bright lights…generally speaking.
If the weight drop wasn’t indication enough that Akiyama is looking to reinvent himself, then certainly his desire to mix up training camps is. Akiyama has expressed an interest in joining forces with welterweight kingpin Georges St. Pierre and serving as his “apprentice”. While one could not find better inspiration, seeking a mentor in your own weight class can have its downsides. Not to mention that apprenticeships don’t always turn out as you’d hoped.
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