While United States audiences and
Ultimate Fighting Championship fans alike were gripped by the
legacies carved by fighters like
Randy
Couture and
Chuck
Liddell, across the Pacific, a different breed of warriors were
etching their names into the annals of mixed martial arts history
in Japan. Among these legends was the revered
Yoshihiro
Akiyama, a name synonymous with the rise of Asian martial arts
on the global stage.
The cherished status of “Sexyama” as one of the most beloved mixed
martial artists in Japan and Korea serves as a poignant testament
to the influential figure emanating from the perfection of diverse
skills. Akiyama’s journey into combat sports began at the tender
age of 3 with judo. His martial odyssey expanded to encompass
karate, boxing, kickboxing, wrestling and submission grappling.
After several years of competing in the Western Hemisphere, Akiyama
has returned to the vibrant martial arts scene in Asia. Now gracing
the global stage of
ONE
Championship, he continues to shine as a beacon of inspiration,
testing his skills against the world’s best martial artists and
adding new chapters to his storied legacy.
Ahead of Akiyama’s special rules superfight opposite
Nieky
Holzken at
ONE 165 this Sunday in Tokyo, a look at some of the rivalries
that shaped his career:
In a pivotal K-1 Hero’s 7 clash on Oct. 9, 2006, Akiyama faced
Manhoef and broke the Dutchman’s 10-fight winning streak with a
decisive victory via armbar submission in the first round. This
triumph secured him the 2006 K-1 Hero’s Light Heavyweight Grand
Prix title and propelled Akiyama into an eight-fight unbeaten
streak.
Akiyama displayed his striking prowess by delivering a stunning
first-round knockout against
Denis Kang
under the K-1 Hero’s banner on Oct. 28, 2007. While Kang initiated
his offense with jabs and kicks, Akiyama countered with precision.
In a surprising turn, a cornered Kang ducked while evading a jab
only to be met with a thunderous uppercut that sent him crashing to
the canvas. Kang then ate another stiff right hand before Akiyama
decided to walk off. The victory marked Akiyama’s return from
suspension and showed off his strategic brilliance and
resilience.
UFC
100 provided the stage for Akiyama’s long-awaited Ultimate
Fighting Championship debut against Belcher on July 11, 2009. He
entered the Octagon with a 12-1 record and two no contests. In
contrast, Belcher, known for his resilience and striking skills,
aimed to build on his recent victories, including an upset of the
aforementioned Kang. Akiyama won the closely contested bout via
split decision.
Akiyama faced Shibata at a
Dream event
on July 21, 2008, submitting him with an Ezekiel choke in the first
round. As the pair continued to circle in the fight, Shibata
attempted wild swings and slipped momentarily. Akiyama’s jabs and
leg kicks maintained control, and Shibata, opting for jabs and a
front kick, kept a cautious distance. Akiyama seized the
opportunity, throwing a cross and initiating a takedown.
Transitioning to mount, he swiftly applied an Ezekiel choke,
rendering Shibata unconscious and securing the win at 6:34 of the
first round.
The clash between
Yoshihiro
Akiyama and
Shinya Aoki
at
ONE
X on March 26, 2022 was not your average fight; it was the
culmination of a rivalry laden with tension and history. Aoki, the
former ONE lightweight world champion, and Akiyama brought not just
diverse skill sets but a narrative that transcended the ordinary.
Aoki’s callout in October 2021 set the stage for a heated
confrontation. Claiming Akiyama’s self-centered qualities fueled
the rivalry, Aoki expressed his disdain for those who prioritize
image over the raw reality of combat. In contrast, Akiyama, baffled
by Aoki’s hatred, focused on the upcoming bout, citing his
advantage in judo and throws. The result? Akiyama defeated Aoki via
technical knockout in the second round.