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Is Yoshihiro Akiyama vs. Chris Leben a 50/50 fight?
By Zach Arnold | July 1, 2010
When I saw the Chris Leben interview with Fighters Only Magazine, I came away with the impression that he’s game for a war against Akiyama. He has a lot of guts but not a lot of technique and against Akiyama, that might make the difference in the fight. Plus, Leben talked about how his body hurt after the Aaron Simpson fight. I really do question the Nevada State Athletic Commission allowing him to fight on two weeks rest. No one is even bringing this up at all, but I don’t exactly see how it’s great in terms of fighter safety to be doing this.
Nevertheless, I would peg Akiyama as a favorite but only slightly so — maybe 55/45. The Alan Belcher fight performance is the type of fight that I think will sway a lot of last-minute bettors to put their money on Leben to win.
“Akiyama is too small for the weight class by UFC standards and he’s got nice stand-up… decent power… I don’t know about his quickness, you know he’s never, you know realistically I mean Akiyama was always protected in Japan, you know? And he also has not really had a good impressive outing since really since Kazuo Misaki you know knocked his brains out a couple of years back. You know, I thought he was very lucky to beat Alan Belcher, I thought Belcher should have won that decision. However, you know, Leben just fought. Leben is, you know, Leben’s not a great fighter. He’s a mediocre fighter, you know, better than mediocre but not a top guy so actually I see this as a pretty even match as well. I mean, Akiyama… I mean, I think he is more-skilled, he’s probably going to be giving up some size in there. We saw with Aaron Simpson, which was an interesting thing, you know who is a lot better takedown guy than Akiyama and you know Leben survived being taken down several times in round one and came back in the Aaron Simpson fight. Leben hits hard, he can take a good punch. He doesn’t have very good movement. Akiyama’s got better movement. He’s a much better all-around athlete. So… tough fight. I guess I’m going to favor Akiyama on this one. But, not greatly so.”
For some reason, Yoshihiro Akiyama’s fight with Denis Kang still sticks out in my mind…
Topics: Media, MMA, UFC, Zach Arnold | 15 Comments » | Permalink | Trackback |
I suspect Akiyama is worried about his chances, which is why there was initial hesitation about fighting Leben. The reward isn’t there either, status-wise.
Leben may be more of a threat to someone without big power than Silva given his superior chin and willingness to get in close and trade.
Random question that is kind of on topic:
Where does Chris Leben rank in the short history of MMA where “best chin” is concerned?
Personally, I don’t know if he is #1, but I would have him damn close…
BTW I think Leben gets the W. Just too much power and Akiyama has shown that he likes to get into wars in the passed.
Rampage
Nah, Rampage’s been brutally knocked out a few times.
My vote goes to BJ Penn. Has he even been rocked?
Yeah, 25 knees to the head from Wanderlei can knock out Rampage, perfect example of how his chin is no good.
I put BJ and Rampage around the same, but we have actually seen how much it takes to finish Rampage totally. BJ quit prematurely.
I doubt Akiyama even tries to take this to the ground unless the opportunity just presents itself. He throw his straight punches all day on Leben.
And certainly the fact that Aaron Simpson blew up in 3 minutes doesn’t hold any special relevance here.
I’m picking Leben. I’ve never been impressed with Akiyama and he should be fighting at WW.
It’s sorta weird how rarely it comes up that Akiyama’s record is thoroughly padded.
I do think he’ll beat Leben, though.
Getting by on his looks like Carano
Anything’s possible with 4oz gloves, but Belcher, a superior striker, couldn’t finish Akiyama. Leben is already hurting from his previous fight and his cardio looked suspect then, as well.
If Akiyama makes it past 3 minutes, he’ll coast.
Whoo Hooo
Man, do people still think Belcher beat Akiyama? watch that 3rd round again please Meltzer.
As for the Leben fight, it is not 50/50. Akiyama is the better boxer and all around striker. That’s pretty much the end of it for me. I won’t pick a guy based purely on “oh those small gloves, he could land a big punch”
Akiyama via lopsided decision.
akiyama is simply the best and hes hot too.