Returning to his home country of Japan, Yoshihiro Akiyama will have the chance to make up for three straight loss in a big way at UFC 144. If Akiyama can upset Jake Shields in his welterweight debut on Saturday night, he would immediately be considered one of the top fighters at 170 pounds.
On the other hand, a loss in his home country, especially an uninspired one, could result in his release from the UFC. Though the UFC brass holds Akiyama in high regard, a fourth straight loss would be much more than others have been cut from the organization for.
If Akiyama is able to put on an exciting fight, then he may be given one last chance after UFC 144. Since the Japanese fighter has earned three Fight of the Night awards in just four UFC fights, the UFC and MMA fans have grown to love watching him fight regardless of the outcome.
That being said, this is a sport, and Akiyama will need to get back into the win column if he wants to be taken seriously as a contender in either the welterweight or middleweight divisions.
Despite Shields’ great accomplishments, a loss to the Cesar Gracie-trained fighter would make it hard for anyone to get excited about seeing Akiyama‘s next fight after going so long without a win.
Beyond determining his future in the UFC, this fight could determine how Akiyama‘s career is remembered. Will he be remembered as the exciting contender that entertained fans at any cost, or will he be remembered as the fighter who lost four straight fights and couldn’t cut it against elite competition?
Sean Smith is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report MMA. For the latest insight and updates on everything MMA, Follow Sean Smith on Twitter
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