Yoshihiro Akiyama has finally inked a deal with UFC, as the company has been negotiating with the Japanese fighter for months now. One of the biggest names in Asia as far as MMA is concerned, Akiyama is also quite controversial, having become Japan’s top heel.
Following his capturing of the gold medal in judo in 2002 Asian games, Akiyama became a huge star in Japan, and was on his way of being groomed for the top spot in the market as he was to face Kazushi Sakuraba. Akiyama won that match, but controversy arose as he kept slipping from Sakuraba’s grip. A backstage camera revealed him rubbing lotion, thus he was caught cheating and the decision was reversed. As a result, he became one of the biggest heels in Japan.
He had been contracted to FEG, but his deal ran out last year, bringing him to months-long talks with UFC. He will be used by the company as a top star on international events.
In another UFC update, UFC 95 scored a 1.7 rating.
