Friday’s devastating earthquake in Japan has forced Yoshihiro Akiyama out of his scheduled bout at UFC 128 next week against Nate Marquardt. He will be replaced by Dan Miller.
The news was first reported by MMA Diehards, and the UFC confirmed the change quickly afterward at its official website.
UFC president Dana White initially reported on Twitter on Friday night that “Akiyama and his family are safe,” and that the Japanese fighter would be Stateside for the fight. But several hours later the news had changed.
“Yoshihiro Akiyama will not be able to participate at UFC 128 due to the tragedy in Japan,” White said in the UFC’s official statement.