Yoshihiro Akiyama

Yoshihiro Akiyama 秋山成勲
Born	Yoshihiro Akiyama July 29, 1975 (1975-07-29) (age 36) Osaka, Japan
Other names	Fukama, Sexyama
Residence	Osaka, Japan
Nationality	Japanese
Height	5 ft 10 in
Weight	170 lb (77.1 kg; 12.1 st)
Division	Welterweight (170 lb) Middleweight (185 lb) Light Heavyweight
Reach	75 in (191 cm)
Style	Boxing, Judo
Fighting out of	Osaka, Japan
Team	Team Cloud Jackson's Submission Fighting
Rank	3rd dan black belt in Judo
Years active	2004–present
Mixed martial arts record
Total	19
Wins	13
By knockout	5
By submission	7
By decision	1
Losses	4
By knockout	2
By submission	1
By decision	1
No contests	2
Other information
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog
last updated on: October 17, 2010

Medal record
Men's Judo
Competitor for  South Korea
Asian Championships
Gold	2001 Ulaanbaatar	-81 kg
Competitor for  Japan
Asian Games
Gold	2002 Busan	-81 kg

Yoshihiro Akiyama (秋山 成勲, Akiyama Yoshihiro^?), born Choo Sung-hoon (Hangul: 추성훈, Hanja: 秋成勳), is a Japanese mixed martial artist and judoka. He is a fourth-generation Japanese of Korean descent and acquired Japanese nationality in 2001. He won gold at the 2001 Asian Championships and 2002 Asian Games for South Korea and Japan respectively.

As a mixed martial artist he became the 2006 K-1 HERO'S Light Heavyweight tournament champion. He is currently with the US promotion Ultimate Fighting Championship and was victorious in his first UFC bout against Alan Belcher at UFC 100. He suffered defeat in his second bout against Chris Leben in UFC 116, and his third bout against Michael Bisping in UFC 120. All three of these fights received "Fight of the Night" honors. He is known for his high level Judo, technical and brawler-like striking, and is considered to have one of the toughest chins in MMA. ^[1] He holds notable victories over Alan Belcher, Dennis Kang, Melvin Manhoef and South African boxer Francois Botha

Judo career

Before his mixed martial arts career, Akiyama was a decorated judoka.^[2]

2001 Asian Championships

Representing Korea, Akiyama won the Gold Medal at the 2001 Asian Championships

2002 Asian Games

Representing Japan, Akiyama won the Gold Medal at the 2002 Asian Games defeating Ahn Dong-Jin of South Korea in the finals.

2003 World Judo Championships controversy

Akiyama defeated three opponents from France, Mongolia, and Turkey to reach the semi-finals of the 81 kg Light Middleweight division. However, all three opponents claimed that Akiyama had a slippery judogi. Wearing a reserve gi, Akiyama lost two games in a row (semifinal and 3rd-place match) and missed the medal.^[3][4]

International Judo Federation referee director Juan Carlos Barcos said an examination of the gi found that the slippery texture was due to high humidity which prevailed in Osaka and a detergent used to wash the uniform. "At any moment, we did not have any doubt about fair play in the case. We are absolutely sure that Mr. Akiyama is correct," since he changed the jacket at the request of the jury, Barcos said.

Akiyama was also accused of wearing slippery gear by former world and Olympic champion Kenzo Nakamura when they fought at the world championship trials in 2002.^[5]

Mixed martial arts career

HERO'S

Akiyama's mixed martial arts debut was in the K-1 Premium 2004 Dynamite event on December 31, 2004, where he defeated boxer Francois Botha by armbar submission in the first round. His first defeat was to Jerome LeBanner, who knocked him out with knees in his second fight at the HERO'S 1 event on March 26, 2005, while it should be noted that LeBanner is a heavyweight that came into the fight at 262 pounds (119 kg), while Akiyama came into the fight at 189.5 pounds (86 kg).^[6] He has notable wins against Tokimitsu Ishizawa, Taiei Kin, Kestutis Smirnovas and Melvin Manhoef. Akiyama defeated Melvin Manhoef at the Hero's light-heavyweight Grand Prix 2006 final round, and gained the champion belt.

In K-1 Premium 2006 Dynamite, Akiyama fought Kazushi Sakuraba in the main event. During the match, Sakuraba called to the referee saying "[Akiyama is] Slippery!" Akiayama went on to win the match with a referee stoppage. This created a controversy amongst MMA fans in Japan, assuming Akiyama was using some sort of body oil or lubricant, banned in K-1 rules.

But at this moment, Akiyama answered to questions about the oil in the interview as follows: "I have no idea why Sakuraba felt slippery. It may be my sweat, as I sweat a lot always and it often drips off my body."

On January 11, Akiyama and FEG (the parent company of K-1) held a press conference during which Akiyama said he used Olay lotion prior to the fight claiming that the lotion was used to treat a worn gi.^[7] Pre-fight footage also showed Akiyama casually applying six bottles of lotion to his body in his locker room. As a result, Akiyama was disqualified and his prize money was suspended. Akiyama himself was suspended indefinitely from HERO'S competition six days later.^[8] Public outcry against Akiyama did not cease however, and Nike was swamped with complaints when Akiyama was featured on a television commercial in Japan.^[9] Though Akiyama has admitted to applying cream to his skin, he has said that the purpose was not to gain an unfair advantage but to treat his dry skin. The fight was ruled a "No Contest".

Akiyama was cleared from his FEG-induced suspension and FEG announced that Akiyama would return to K-1 Hero's in Seoul, on October 28, 2007. His opponent was Denis Kang, who was the finalist of PRIDE Bushido Grand Prix 2006 and making his debut in Hero's. Though he was an underdog, Akiyama beat Kang by KO in the first round.

Yarennoka! fight

On December 31, 2007, Akiyama faced Kazuo Misaki at Yarennoka!. The rules of the match stated that kicks to the head of a downed opponent would not be allowed.^[10] Late in the first round Misaki knocked down Akiyama with left hook, and as Akiyama struggled to his feet, Misaki delivered a lunging kick to the face which knocked Akiyama out.^[10] The match was ruled a knockout victory for Misaki, but Akiyama contended that one or both of his hands were on the mat at the time of the kick, which would make the kick a foul under the Yarennoka! rules.^[10] After reviewing video of the knockout, the Yarennoka! executive committee agreed; the official result was changed to a no contest.^[11]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

On February 24, 2009 it was announced on the official UFC website that Akiyama had signed a deal with the company. Even though he suffered a broken orbital bone during the start of round two, Akiyama went on to beat UFC veteran Alan Belcher at UFC 100 on July 11 by split decision.^[12] It was the 1st fight in Akiyama's career that went to the judges' score cards. The bout was also awarded "Fight of the Night" honors, granting both fighters a record-setting $100,000 bonus each.

On May 30, 2009 Yoshihiro Akiyama opened a new gym in Tokyo, Japan. The 'Akiyama Dojo' has Judo and MMA halls, 30 tatami mats and three octagonal cages.^[13]

Akiyama joined Xtreme Couture for the month of October 2009 to work on his striking skills. Akiyama was expected to face MMA legend and former PRIDE Middleweight Champion Wanderlei Silva on February 21, 2010 at UFC 110,^[14] but Silva instead faced British striker Michael Bisping on the card, losing via unanimous decision.^[15] At the Post-fight conference, UFC President Dana White stated that Akiyama had requested to fight Silva for a while and has refused to fight other opponents, after which both fighters verbally agreed to fight.^[16]

Akiyama was expected to face Silva on July 3, 2010 at UFC 116.^[17] Wanderlei had to pull out on June 22, 2010 due to fractured ribs suffered in training. Chris Leben was chosen as a replacement. Despite controlling the majority of the fight with effective strikes and solid Judo takedowns, Akiyama became fatigued after the first round and lost via triangle choke with just twenty seconds left in the third round.^[18] His loss to Leben was his first official loss in five years.

Akiyama lost to Michael Bisping on October 16, 2010 at UFC 120 by unanimous decision.^[19] In preparation for his fight with Bisping, Akiyama switched to Jackson’s Submission Fighting in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It is unclear whether the switch is permanent.^[20] Even though Akiyama lost to Bisping, he rocked him in the first round. He earned his third "Fight of the Night" honors. He has now earned "Fight of the Night" honors for all three of his UFC appearances.

Akiyama was briefly scheduled to face Chael Sonnen on March 19, 2011 at UFC 128,^[21] but, due to Sonnen's suspension, the fight was scrapped. Akiyama was later scheduled to face Nate Marquardt at the same event,^[22] but pulled out due to the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami and was replaced by Dan Miller.^[23]

Akiyama was defeated by Vitor Belfort at UFC 133 via KO (Punches) in the first round. This defeat marks the third straight loss for Akiyama in the UFC. Following the fight, Dana White stated that Akiyama most likely would not be cut from the organization if he agrees to move down to welterweight. As of September 3, 2011, Akiyama has stated he will move down a weight class, allowing him to stay in the UFC. On November 3, 2011, a picture of Akiyama had circled the web of his body frame as a welterweight.

Akiyama is expected to face Jake Shields on February 26, 2012 at UFC 144.^[24]

Personal life

In March 2009, Akiyama married Shiho Yano, a famous Japanese model, whom he had been dating since January 2007.

He names heavyweight champion boxer Mike Tyson as his hero and holds a University degree in Commerce.^[25]

Championships and accomplishments

• HERO'S
  • 2006 HERO'S Light Heavyweight Grand Prix Winner

• Ultimate Fighting Championship
  • Fight of the Night (3 Times)

Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown
19 matches	13 wins	4 losses
By knockout	5	2
By submission	7	1
By decision	1	1
No contests	2

Result	Record	Opponent	Method	Event	Date	Round	Time	Location	Notes
Loss	13-4 (2)	Vitor Belfort	KO (punches)	UFC 133	02011-08-06 August 6, 2011	1	1:52	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Loss	13–3 (2)	Michael Bisping	Decision (unanimous)	UFC 120	02010-10-16 October 16, 2010	3	5:00	London, England	Fight of the Night.
Loss	13–2 (2)	Chris Leben	Submission (triangle choke)	UFC 116	02010-07-03 July 3, 2010	3	4:40	Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.	Fight of the Night.
Win	13–1 (2)	Alan Belcher	Decision (split)	UFC 100	02009-07-11 July 11, 2009	3	5:00	Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.	Fight of the Night.
Win	12–1 (2)	Masanori Tonooka	Submission (armbar)	Dream 6	02008-09-23 September 23, 2008	1	6:26	Saitama, Japan
Win	11–1 (2)	Katsuyori Shibata	Submission (ezekiel choke)	Dream 5	02008-07-21 July 21, 2008	1	6:34	Osaka, Japan
NC	10–1 (2)	Kazuo Misaki	No Contest (result overturned)	Yarennoka!	02007-12-31 December 31, 2007	1	7:48	Saitama, Japan	Original "KO" victory for Misaki; head kick was later ruled illegal; changed to "no contest".
Win	10–1 (1)	Denis Kang	KO (punch)	Hero's 2007 in Korea	02007-10-28 October 28, 2007	1	4:45	Seoul, South Korea
NC	9–1 (1)	Kazushi Sakuraba	No Contest (result overturned)	List of Hero's events#K-1 Hero's Premium Dynamite 2006!!	02006-12-31 December 31, 2006	1	5:37	Osaka, Japan	Original TKO victory for Akiyama; ruled no-contest.
Win	9–1	Melvin Manhoef	Submission (armbar)	Hero's 7	02006-10-09 October 9, 2006	1	1:58	Yokohama, Japan	Hero's 2006 Light Heavyweight Grand Prix final.
Win	8–1	Kęstutis Smirnovas	TKO (strikes)	Hero's 7	02006-10-09 October 9, 2006	1	3:01	Yokohama, Japan	Hero's 2006 Light Heavyweight Grand Prix semi-final.
Win	7–1	Taiei Kin	Submission (armbar)	Hero's 6	02006-08-05 August 5, 2006	1	2:01	Tokyo, Japan	Hero's 2006 Light Heavyweight Grand Prix quarter-final.
Win	6–1	Katsuhiko Nagata	KO (spinning back kick)	Hero's 5	02006-05-03 May 3, 2006	1	2:25	Tokyo, Japan
Win	5–1	Tokimitsu Ishizawa	Submission (gi choke)	Hero's 4	02006-03-15 March 15, 2006	2	1:41	Tokyo, Japan
Win	4–1	Masakatsu Okuda	KO (slam + punches)	Hero's 2005 in Seoul	02005-11-05 November 5, 2005	1	3:31	Seoul, South Korea
Win	3–1	Michael Lerma	TKO (punches)	K-1 World MAX 2005 Champions' Challenge	02005-10-12 October 12, 2005	1	2:47	Tokyo, Japan
Win	2–1	Carl Toomey	Submission (armbar)	Hero's 2	02005-07-06 July 6, 2005	1	0:59	Tokyo, Japan
Loss	1–1	Jérôme Le Banner	KO (knee)	Hero's 1	02005-03-26 March 26, 2005	1	2:24	Saitama, Japan
Win	1–0	Francois Botha	Submission (armbar)	K-1 PREMIUM 2004 Dynamite!!	02004-12-31 December 31, 2004	1	1:54	Osaka, Japan

Judo competition record

Notable Accomplishments/Titles (judo)
All-Japan Collegiate Separate Weight Divisions 2nd Place 2005
All-Japan Industry Judo Singles 81 kg Champion 2001
Kodokan Cup Japan Judo Championship 81 kg Champion 2001
Japan International Judo Tournament 81 kg Champion 2002
Paris International Judo Tournament 81 kg Champion 2002
Asian Games Judo 81 kg Champion 2002 (in Busan)
All-Japan Invitational Judo Championship Separate Weight Divisions 81 kg Champion 2003
World Judo Championship 81 kg Japan Representative 2003

See also

• List of male mixed martial artists

References

1. ^ UFC 116 Fighter Analysis – Yoshihiro Akiyama. Ktfomma.com. Retrieved on 2011-06-11.
2. ^ fighter's profile – Yoshihiro Akiyama. K-1sport.de. Retrieved on 2011-06-11.
3. ^ 2003 Judo Championship official results [1], -81kg
4. ^ archives. Taipei Times (2011-06-05). Retrieved on 2011-06-11.
5. ^ Taipei Times, Japanese hail judo comeback despite slippery-jacket row, 13 September 2003
6. ^ [2]^{[dead link]}
7. ^ Bout Review USA. K-1 Dynamite!! 'Akiyama Disqualified!'
8. ^ Sportsnavi article (in Japanese). 17 January 2007
9. ^ Advertising at. Sherdog.com (2007-02-07). Retrieved on 2011-06-11.
10. ^ ^{a b c} Breen, Jordan (January 11, 2008). "Akiyama Camp Protests Misaki's KO Kick". Sherdog.com. http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles.asp?n_id=10770. Retrieved 2008-01-12. 
11. ^ "Akiyama-Misaki Ruled No Contest". Sherdog.com. January 22, 2008. http://www.sherdog.com/news/news.asp?n_id=10908. Retrieved 2008-01-22. 
12. ^ "Yoshihiro Akiyama breaks his orbital bone at UFC 100". http://ballhype.com/story/akiyama_breaks_orbital_bone_in_ufc_100_win_over/. Retrieved 2010-02-16. 
13. ^ "Snapshot of the Day: Akiyama Opens Team Cloud Tokyo". http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2009/5/30/893411/snapshot-of-the-day-akiyama-opens/. Retrieved 2009-05-30. ^{[dead link]}
14. ^ "Wanderlei Silva confirms rumored UFC 110 headliner with Yoshihiro Akiyama in Australia". http://mmajunkie.com/news/16515/wanderlei-silva-confirms-rumored-ufc-110-headliner-with-yoshihiro-akiyama-in-australia.mma. Retrieved 2009-10-16. 
15. ^ UFC 110 Main Card – You Can’t Kill The Axe Murderer – Silva Decisions Bisping. Ufc.com. Retrieved on 2011-06-11.
16. ^ Wanderlei, Akiyama Want to Meet. Sherdog.com. Retrieved on 2011-06-11.
17. ^ "Wanderlei Silva vs. Yoshihiro Akiyama Signed For UFC 116". http://www.5thround.com/29904/video-wanderlei-silva-vs-yoshihiro-akiyama-signed-for-ufc-116/. Retrieved 2009-04-29. 
18. ^ Chris Leben Submits Yoshihiro Akiyama For The Comeback Victory. FightLine.com (2010-07-03). Retrieved on 2011-06-11.
19. ^ "Bisping faces Akiyama at UFC 120 which will air live on SpikeTV". fightersonlymagazine.co.uk. http://www.fightersonlymagazine.co.uk/news/viewarticle.php?id=4851. Retrieved 2010-07-09. 
20. ^ Akiyama Joins Jackson Camp for Bisping Bout at UFC 120. Sherdog.com. Retrieved on 2011-06-11.
21. ^ "Chael Sonnen vs. Yoshihiro Akiyama at UFC 128". mmajunkie.com. January 4, 2011. http://mmajunkie.com/news/21966/despite-legal-issues-sonnen-vs-akiyama-in-the-works-for-ufc-128.mma. 
22. ^ "With Chael Sonnen out, Yoshihiro Akiyama now meets Nate Marquardt at UFC 128". sports.yahoo.com. January 7, 2011. http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/news;_ylt=Aguw8SnrZ0HMJfAJoKyecmQ9Eo14?slug=mmajunkie-Chael_Sonnen_Yoshihiro_Akiyama_Nate_Marquardt_UFC_128. 
23. ^ "UFC 128: Dan Miller vs Nate Marquardt booked with Yoshihiro Akiyama out due to Japan tsunami". mmamania.com. 2011-03-12. http://www.mmamania.com/2011/3/12/2045858/ufc-128-dan-miller-vs-nate-marquardt-booked-with-yoshihiro-akiyama. 
24. ^ "Yoshihiro Akiyama drops to 170 pounds, faces Jake Shields at UFC 144 in Japan". mmajunkie.com. November 14, 2011. http://mmajunkie.com/news/26090/yoshihiro-akiyama-drops-to-170-pounds-faces-jake-shields-at-ufc-144-in-japan.mma. 
25. ^ "Yoshihiro Akiyama". http://ufc.com/YoshihiroAkiyama. Retrieved 2009-12-25. ^{[dead link]}

External links

• Official UFC Profile
• Professional MMA record for Yoshihiro Akiyama from Sherdog
• DREAM Profile

Persondata
Name	Akiyama, Yoshihiro
Alternative names
Short description
Date of birth	July 29, 1975
Place of birth	Osaka, Japan
Date of death
Place of death