Yoshihiro Akiyama
Japanese mixed martial artist Yoshihiro Akiyama (13-5, 2NC) still has a job with the Ultimate Fighting Championship, for now at least. After losing four straight, a report from MMAFighting.com has the Judoka squaring off with former welterweight contender Thiago ‘Pitbull’ Alves (19-9) this July, likely as part of UFC 149.
If the two do meet at UFC 149, it will certainly be as part of the events main card. UFC 149 is expected to take place on July 21, 2012 at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
The bout would mark the second fight for Akiyama at 170-lbs after losing his welterweight debut to Jake Shields via decision last February at UFC 144. That was ‘Sexyama’s’ fourth straight loss, putting his record at 1-4 since debuting with the UFC in July 2009. Since then he’s gone on to defeat Alan Belcher, then lose to Chris Leben, Michal Bisping and Vitor Belfort.
Alves has seen his share of hardship in the Octagon as well, having gone 2-4 over his last six. The ‘Pitbull’ was last in action this past March, losing to Martin Kampmann via submission in a match that saw him controlling much of the fight till one small error in the third round. The two headlined the UFC on FX 2 event in Australia. Alves last win was in November at UFC 138, a submission win over Papy Abedi.