Wanderlei Silva out of ufc 116

That sucks. Leben vs Akiyama was the whole reason I wanted to watch UFC 116.

Let's see if this post catches fire like the one earlier in this thread.

 

I read a while back Akiyama said he wouldn't fight anyone unless it was Wanderlei. I think he even rejected a few fights to get it done. Didn't think he would pull out with a weeks notice after all that training.

 

This is what Akiyama had to say:

"I am not pleased with the change. There are just ten days left until the contest for me to determine [Chris Leben’s] threats and the time is insufficient to establish a tailored gameplan. Leben is also not as high-profile as [Wanderlei] Silva and that does not help me."

"If there is to be a replacement I was hoping for a big name. I spent one year preparing hard for this fight and this news has come as a big disappointment, my motivation has waned. I do not know yet what will happen. .. In the worst case, I will not take part in the [UFC 116] event. We are working hard to resolve this issue."

 

Note to Akiyama: Leben's threats are his fists.

 

god i wanted to see wanderlei fight but id rather see him recover and win ,then be hurt and lose,

 

If he is in fight shape then 10 days is more than enough to cater for the opponent change. I would agree if the opponent changed from Wanderlei to Maia but Leben is quite similar. Leben will come to fight, like Wanderlei. There are obvious differences like stance but the adjustments could be made.

 

No worries. Akiyama has agreed to fight.

http://mmajunkie.com/news/19674/sou...akiyama-will-fight-chris-leben-at-ufc-116.mma

Not as good as Wandy/Akiyama but still a good fight.