I was a bit disappointed and at the same time...the technic was there...and it still was entertaining..but i was expecting a quick sub in the first or 2nd round.
He had problems with Belchers size and chin. Akiyama did what he needed to do but I think we have to look at Belcher, this guy is one tough SOB and has some skills
Belcher is a tough durable fighter but still fairly limited. He actually kind of reminds me of a MW version of Forrest Griffin just slightly worse. I actually predicted a win for Belcher because I think Akiyama and most of the fighters in Japan are overrated. But Akiyama did a solid job in there, still has alot of work to do on the feet but overall deserved the win in my opinion. I think hes a little too small for MW and I think he can make the cut to 170.
It wasn't dominating win but I thought the fight was damn entertaining and a fitting opener for the event. The action went back and forth with both guys but Akiyama won with those takedowns. Does Akiyama prefer standup? I was expecting him to take it to the ground more.
First time I saw him and I thought it was a crackin' fight. I think he could cut some weight and make 170 though
I though he did ok considering it was his first fight in the UFC. I don't know what fight Rogan was watching when he said he felt Belcher was robbed. I felt Akiyama nicked it but it could have went either way and the decision was far from a robbery. I think he will stick with 185 until he loses, then he may consider dropping down.
