Schedule
Saturday 8 August
CMD seminar 1- 3pm
CIA seminar 4-6pm

Sunday 9 August
Monkey Jits seminar 10am – 12pm (BJJ uniform required)
MMA seminar 3-5pm (MMA gloves required)

Limited spaces and each session is 2 hours long. (Currently one or two places are left, so sign up quick!)
Seminar Rates: RM 550.00 per day. RM 1,000.00 for 2 days
CMD members: RM 380.00 per day. RM 600.00 for 2 days

DOWNLOAD THE PDF FLYER AT KDT ACADEMY’S WEBSITE.

Payment method: Cash only please

Please contact Vince Choo at vince [@] kdta.com (remove the [ ] before sending email)
to register for Rodney King’s seminar.

Gi Super Sale from July 28th – August 28th 2009!

Our once in a year Gi Super Sale is here again, and all you Judo, Brazilian Ju Jitsu and Aikido practitioners, you’re in luck cos’ we’ll be having massive discounts across our whole range of Grapple Gis , for one month only with new products rolling out at discounted prices every week!

Download the Sale Catalogue here!

What is Commando Krav Maga?

Commando Krav Maga is the Krav Maga system as devised by Moni Aizik. The System was officially born in 1973.Commando Krav Maga, aka CKM, is considered by many experts to be the most devastating fighting system in the world. In CKM, you’ll learn to defeat attackers (even multiple attackers) armed with knives, guns, bottles, sticks, baseball bats etc. Additionally, you’ll learn how to debilitate your opponent immediately irrespective of his size, training background or experience level. Most importantly, you’ll see immediate results. SG Pro – Fight Community sits down with Instructor Lim Beng Kit, the Director for Commando Krav Maga Singapore and also the highest ranking Commando Krav Maga instructor in Asia and Australasia region.

SG Pro: Thank you for finding the time to join us for this interview, Beng Kit!

Beng Kit: It is my pleasure to have you guys for this interview.

SG Pro: Beng Kit, first of, tell us the differences between Krav Maga and Commando Krav Maga.

Beng Kit: The term Krav Maga in Hebrew is usually translated as “contact Combat”. The word Maga means ‘contact’ and the word Krav means ‘fight’. The prefix “Commando” is used to signify that this is the Krav Maga system which is used by Israel Special Forces Sayeret. Commando Krav Maga is a modern and evolved reality based fighting system. CKM practice engaged, create maximum damage and disengaged quickly. Spending to much time in “contact” with an attackers will increase the chance of fighting them in different dimension where it may have been possible to escape unharmed.

SG Pro: So is CKM an offshoot of Krav Maga?

Beng Kit: Yes, CKM techniques evolved and continue to be tested for it’s effectiveness. The techniques has to be simple, effective and easy to be executed under stress.

SG Pro: Is Commando Krav Maga Singapore the first school in Singapore to teach authentic Krav Maga techniques?

Beng Kit: Yes. CKM Singapore is the first to teach Commando Krav Maga techniques in Singapore and the only school to teach Commando Krav Maga techniques in Asia.

SG Pro: Beng Kit, do you see CKM having a surge in of interest in Singapore? Afterall of late, martial arts seems to be on the rise, with the media covering Muay Thai, Wrestling, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and MMA.

Beng Kit: CKM is growing rapidly in Singapore and around the world. CKM is taught to Military, Police, Security Officers and Civilians in Singapore.

SG Pro: Tell us bout the courses you have at Commando Krav Maga Singapore.

Beng Kit: The courses that I provide is as followed; pre and post conflict techniques,hand to hand combat,pressure and weakness points,joint attacks,understanding of weapons,psychology of weapons confrontation,gun disarming,edged weapons defense,impact weapons defense,Israel ground survival,improvised weapons, defense against multiple attackers, mental and physical training. Special tailored courses like Children CKM, Women CKM Self Defense, CKM Bootcamp for children or Adult.

SG Pro: How effective is Commando Krav Maga say against someone who knows BJJ or Muay Thai?

Beng Kit: Commando Krav Maga covers all aspects of Self Defense and it is an evolved system that teaches all kind of confrontations in a reality based training. All fighting system and martial arts have their advantages; BJJ with their grappling and Muay Thai with their striking techniques.

SG Pro: What can practitioners gain out of Commando Krav Maga?
Beng Kit: Practitioners of CKM will have the opportunity to learn the most evolved and modern tactics and techniques, develop mental and physical toughness, physical conditioning exercises to help to improve your health and performance, build self confidence, increase street awareness and conflict prevention methods, and most importantly to learn the most devastating fighting system to save your life or the life of your loved ones.

SG Pro: Picture this scenario; there is a martial arts convention and there is a potential student who is not sure whether to take up Muay Thai, BJJ or CKM. How will you promote CKM to him?

Beng Kit: Simple, effective and easy to learn. In this hectic lifestyle, everyone wants to learn self defense in the shortest time possible, they want to be able to use it instantly and not taking years and years to learn self defense.

SG Pro: Beng Kit, tell us what plans you have for CKM and how you intend to take things to the next level?

Beng Kit: I am looking at the big picture, collaborating with CKM Instructor in Australia and promoting CKM at international level in Asia Pacific region.

SG Pro: One of our featured gym is Kapap, which also offers training in Krav Maga. With Commando Krav Maga Singapore, Kapap and FightWorkAsia offering Krav Maga training, would you say that the art Krav Maga is on the rise here in the Singapore and how would Krav Maga ultimately affect the martial art landscape here?

Beng Kit: I know the Kapap instructor as he attended our CKM seminar and being awarded Self Improvement Certificate of Commando Krav Maga. Krav Maga popularity is on the rise as it is an effective fighting system. Krav Maga has been taught to Military, Police, Security Officers and civilian as soon as it landed our shore. It grow rapidly and the demand is always there.

SG Pro: You mention that Commando Krav Maga Singapore is also distributor for Zebra Mats and Macho Martial Arts Products. So how did this alliance came about and how can our readers purchase any of these should they need it?

Beng Kit: I purchased the Zebra mats and Macho products for my gym. With this, we are also getting the distributorship for their products. Those who are interested in purchasing the products can contact me for more details.

SG Pro: Beng Kit, tell us more about yourself. We know you are the Director for Commando Krav Maga Singapore and also the highest ranking Commando Krav Maga instructor in Asia and Australasia region but that’s it. Anything you can share with us about yourself?

Beng Kit: I started learning Martial Art and Self Defense techniques from my father, Mr. Lim Eng Choon at the age of 7. In my quest to the path of the warrior, I train Tae Kwon Do and Hap Ki Do from Grandmaster Sunny Tan Sar Bee, Grandmaster Jurg Ziegler, Grandmaster Andy Yuen; Bujinkan Dojo Ninjutsu with Shidoshi Wayne L. Roy, Michael Brinkmann and Justin Olby; Kombatan Arnis with Grandmaster Jurg Ziegler and Grandmaster Andy Elliot; Commando Krav maga with Moni Aizik; Krav Maga with Albert Merlo and Russian Martial Art of Systema with Adam Vounoridis. I am also a qualified Martial Arts Coach and First Aider, received my Cert III in Martial Arts Coaching from International College of Kenshusei, Australia.

SG Pro: What do you do in your spare time? You can’t be training Krav Maga 24/7 could you?

Beng Kit: I am a full time CKM Instructor in Security companies, Oneberry Concierge, Oneberry Technology and Evtec Management that provide security solution and manpower. Most of my time is dedicated to teaching and promoting Commando Krav Maga but during my free time, I will spend my time with my son, Joshua Lim.

SG Pro: If you weren’t in CKM, what will you be doing?

Beng Kit: I will be teaching Bujinkan Dojo Ninjutsu, Flying Eagle Hap Ki Do, Ji Do Kwan Tae Kwon Do and Kombatan Arnis.

SG Pro: Any parting words for our readers?

Beng Kit: Every Martial Arts and Fighting Systems have their distinctive advantages if used effectively. The convenience and knowing what you learn is more important than the style you choose. Being the best fighter is not just mastering every move from any one art, rather it is mastering the mind. The best is to read and gather as much information as you can about various styles and choose the one that suit your needs.

SG Pro: Thank you for your precious time, Beng Kit and we look forward to seeing the rise of Krav Maga in Singapore!

Beng Kit: Thank you guys, cheers!

*SG Pro – Fight Community would like to thank Mr Lim Beng Kit for finding time to do this interview with us.

Do continuing visiting SG Pro – Fight Community for more MMA goodness!

This just in from our contacts with Evolve MMA!

Team Evolve to fight at UFC 103

A member of the official Evolve Fight Team, Rafael Dos Anjos, will be fighting at UFC 103 on September 19, 2009. Based in Rio de Janeiro at Evolve Brazil, Rafael is a BJJ Black Belt with excellent striking ability. Evolve Instructors, Gordo and Gordinho, will be cornering his fight at the event!

Rafael dos Anjos vs Takaichi Hirayama

Evolve Brazil was opened in May 2009 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil with over 450 members.

The legendary Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 4th Degree Black Belt master Roberto “Gordo” Correa, the inventor of the half-guard, is heading up operations for Evolve Brazil.  He has won every major BJJ title at least once.  Having trained with the Gracie Family all of his life, Gordo is considered to be one of the top 5 BJJ masters in Brazil.  He has produced many BJJ World Champions including current Super Heavyweight BJJ Black Belt World Champion Antonio Braga Neto, BJJ World Champion Leandro Thomas da Silva, and many others.  He has also produced many MMA fighters such as current UFC fighter Rafael dos Anjos.

Gordo’s younger brother is BJJ Black Belt World Champion Rafael “Gordinho” Correa de Lima and is the head of the Evolve Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Program in Singapore.

Roberto “Gordo” Correa received his Black Belt in 1993 from Carlos Gracie Jr.

SG Pro – Fight Community brings to you the first ever local interview with a World Champion from the legendary Sityodtong Gym in Thailand, Yoddecha Sityodtong! A little about Yoddecha; He is a Muay Thai World Champion with a fight record of 145-37 and is known as a big knockout artist with the rare ability to knock people out with one shot with any of the 8 weapons (punches, elbows, knees, and kicks) of Muay Thai! Yoddecha is a certified Muay Thai instructor under the legendary Kru Yodtong of the Sityodtong Gym in Thailand and is currently teaching the Art of Eight Limbs to locals at Evolve MMA! A fearless competitor, he is willing to fight anyone in the world in his weight class in any country. Now coupled with whatever little information we have bout Yoddecha, lets venture into the world of the Muay Thai Champion, Yoddecha Sityodyong!

SG Pro: Sawadee krup!

Yoddecha: Sawadee krup. Thank you for having me on SG Pro. Please excuse my English. My Thai translator will help me if that is ok…

Muay Thai World Champion, Yoddecha Sityodtong.

SG Pro: Yoddecha, from the Evolve website, we know that you are currently a World Champion in Muay Thai and have won many titles in Thailand and around the world. Tell us, how did you get into Muay Thai?

Yoddecha: At age 7, I became an orphan. I lived on the streets with nothing. Every day, I had to figure out how to find food so that I would not starve. I used to get beat up by gangs a lot and was eventually forced into child slavery by one gang.  After a few years of living on the streets as a child slave forced to work for a mafia gang, my luck turned when a Sityodtong fighter rescued me and brought me to Kru Yodtong Senanan, the head of Sityodtong Gym. Kru Yodtong has always treated me like a son and I owe him everything in my life. I never dreamed of becoming a professional Muay Thai fighter until that lucky day. Chatri Sityodtong and I started Muay Thai around the same time.

SG Pro: How has Muay Thai changed your life besides the attention that came with being a World Champion?

Yoddecha:  I can tell you that Muay Thai has given me everything. It gave me a purpose in life. Without it, I had nothing to live for. It taught me to become a man and to live a life with honor. Of course, Muay Thai allowed me to make a living too.  It has allowed me to see the world… I have fought all over the world… Italy, Croatia, Australia, France, Japan, and many other places… Muay Thai gave me a life. Before Muay Thai, I had nothing.

SG Pro: Sounds like Muay Thai IS your life. Who was your last fight against and how tough was it?

Yoddecha: My last fight was not that tough, but I was given only 1 week notice before it. So I was not fit and I was not mentally or physically prepared. I got lucky and won by KO.

SG Pro: You had almost 200 fights in your career thus far, so which fight was your favorite?

Yoddecha: The fight that I am most proud of is my fight with Satdam, a ferocious Thai fighter with big KO power. It is by far my most memorable fight and it was not even for a world title. Before the fight at Theprasit Stadium, I was expected to win the fight with 3-2 odds. Satdam is a very dangerous fighter though. He smashed me with elbows and punches and gave me 3 very deep cuts on my head and face during the fight. Satdam was winning all rounds by the 5th and final round. I was bleeding badly. I was hurt and exhausted. At the start of the 5th round, the oddsmakers had changed the odds to 100-1 in favor of Satdam. My only chance to win the fight was by KO. I had to dig deep into my heart. With only 1 minute left in the final round, I found a small opening and kicked him in the head with my left leg. I eventually knocked him out with 30 seconds left in the fight with many punches and kicks. It is my favorite fight because it is represents everything that Muay Thai has taught me in my whole life…the warrior spirit.

SG Pro: If you can have just one more fight before you hang up those gloves for good, who will it be against and why?

Yoddecha: I am willing to fight anyone in the world. Anywhere, anytime. I would love to fight someone in Singapore, but there is no one at the elite level yet in Singapore.  I have another big fight coming up though.

SG Pro: You have been featured on the Muay Thai episode of “The Human Weapon” on the History Channel, introducing fans all over the world to Muay Thai and fighting against Jason Chambers, obviously Chambers was no match for you but how was the experience like?

Yoddecha: It was fun. I enjoyed it very much. Jason Chambers is a nice guy. He is still relatively new to Muay Thai, but he is excellent at MMA from what I understand. We gave a light sparring demonstration for the TV show.

SG Pro: With The Contender Asia, Muay Thai is definitely getting more mainstream attention, so do you feel that Singapore has the potential to grow in terms of the fight community?

Yoddecha: I would love to fight in the Contender Asia! Yes, Singaporeans have the potential to become great at Muay Thai in the future. Right now, it is still a new sport here. So the talent pool and instruction is still very underdeveloped compared to Thailand. But the potential is great because Singaporeans are talented and tough!

SG Pro: Yoddecha, you are currently teaching the Art of Muay Thai to the locals at Evolve MMA, so tell us, how is teaching the locals like? Also is there any potential for locals to become Muay Thai World Champions?

Yoddecha: (Smiling) World Champions? Muay Thai is a new sport in Singapore. It is not realistic to expect a World Champion so soon. It might be possible in 10-15 years.  But right now, the level in Singapore is very low by Thai standards. Of course, the future potential is great because Singaporeans are talented and tough! I love teaching in Singapore because everyone has an amazing attitude. At Evolve, the level of Muay Thai is progressing very quickly. We have many good students who will become great in the future. We have one student who is extraordinarily special. He has only been doing Muay Thai for 1 month, but his potential is enormous. His name is Oliver and his talent is unbelievable. Of course, he is still a beginner.

SG Pro: In your fight against Shannon Forrester, after knocking him out, you showed class by checking out your opponent. Adding to that, you gave internet fans all over the world a glimpse of your dancing skills! So what do you like to do during your spare time? Dance?

Yoddecha: (Laughing and smiling) Dancing? No, no… I do not know how to dance.  In my spare time, I like to hang out with my good friends like Nuengpichit and Chatri Sityodtong. I have known them for more than 20 years. We go to eat dinner, go out at night to Clarke Quay and other places. I also like to play video games!

SG Pro: How do you find Singapore thus far?

Yoddecha: I love Singapore! It is an amazing country. It is my favorite country besides Thailand. I’ve been everywhere, but Singapore is great. The people are so nice, the weather is perfect, and the food is tasty!

SG Pro: If you are stranded on an island, what are the three things you will bring along with you?

Yoddecha: I am not very good at questions like this one. Uhhh… a knife for food? I can’t imagine living alone on an island. What would I do? I don’t have a good answer to this question… My apologies..

SG Pro: Not a problem, Yoddecha! You are known to be a fearless fighter, we read somewhere that a few years ago, you were in a tough fight with an excellent opponent.  During the third round, you threw a right kick and your knee came completely out from its socket! You did not quit and fought on, eventually winning by KO! How did you do that? How did you find the strength to finish the fight?

Yoddecha: Yes, that is true. I was fighting the European Muay Thai Champion. I threw a right roundhouse kick in the 3rd round and my knee got completely dislocated. It was very painful. (Later, the doctor told me that I ripped my ACL and MCL completely and also tore my meniscus. I later had surgery to reconstruct my knee). But it was only the 3rd round of the fight and I could not quit. So I kept fighting. Also, the adrenaline of the fight helped me to ignore the pain. Mental strength is something that comes with doing Muay Thai. You learn to overcome exhaustion and pain. Luckily, I won the fight!

SG Pro: Students who have seen you in person describe you as a gentle and friendly man. Clips of your matches on youtube however show otherwise, once the bell rings, you transformed into a fighting machine and of course once the match ends, you turn back into that gentle and friendly man again! Is it something which is transplanted in all Muay Thai fighters from a young age or do you guys actually have a switch hidden somewhere?

Yoddecha:  We are all taught to control our emotions… this is an essential part of becoming a Muay Thai warrior, especially at Sityodtong Gym. When I enter the ring, I fight for my teacher, Kru Yodtong and for my gym, the Sityodtong Gym. There is no emotion. People ask me if I ever get angry in the ring. The answer is never. I have no emotion in the ring. No fear, no anger, nothing. I empty my mind, heart, and body. The biggest enemy in a fight is yourself. But yes, I am a very different person in the ring versus outside of the ring.

SG Pro: And it’s time for our little word association again! This is how it works, i’ll name someone and you will have to describe that person in just seven words or less. Here goes nothing, Shannon Forrester.

Yoddecha: Nice gentleman with a warrior heart.

SG Pro: Jason Chambers (The guy from The Human Weapon).

Yoddecha: Friendly and gentle.

SG Pro: Kru Yodtong Senanan.

Yoddecha: The greatest teacher in history

SG Pro: Kru Toy Sityodtong.

Yoddecha: Phenomenal trainer. Great man.

SG Pro: Daorung Sityodtong.

Yoddecha: Heart of gold. Wealth of experience.

SG Pro: Nuengpichit Sityodtong.

Yoddecha: Intelligent fighter. Great human being.

SG Pro: Chatri Sityodtong.

Yoddecha: Very powerful fighter. Generous and humble friend.

SG Pro: Samart Payakaroon.

Yoddecha: The greatest fighter that ever lived.

SG Pro: Yodsanan 3K Battery Sor Nanthachai Sityodtong.

Yoddecha: Little Mike Tyson, unbelievable power.

SG Pro: And of course last but not least, Yoddecha Sityodtong.

Yoddecha: A lucky orphan.

SG Pro: Some really good word association there, Yoddecha! Your life and career have been an inspiration to all aspiring fighters out there. What advice would you give to them?

Yoddecha: It is very hard to find a truly great teacher and a great gym. If you are lucky to find one, give your life to the teacher and gym. Loyalty is the path to knowledge.  If you find a wonderful gym like Sityodtong or Evolve, it will become your family in good and bad times. The truth is that you become a World Champion through the support of other people. I did not become World Champion alone. I became World Champion because of Kru Yodtong and every member of the Sityodtong Gym. They all gave me the love, the knowledge, the support, and the drive to become great.

SG Pro: Any parting words for our readers?

Yoddecha: Life is a lot about luck. But it is also what you do with that luck.

SG Pro: khorb khun krub, Yoddecha!

Yoddecha: Thank you, SG-Pro.

*SG Pro – Fight Community would like to thank Yoddecha Sityodtong for finding time to do this interview with us. Special thanks goes out to Mr Trisiripisal for helping with the translation, without his help, this interview would not have been possible.

Do continuing visiting SG Pro – Fight Community for more MMA goodness!

Throughout the years, the UFC has seen its share of Asian fighters come and go. From former sumo and pro-wrestler Koji Kitao to renowned Japanese stars such as DREAM’s Kazushi Sakuraba, the retired Genki Sudo, Kazuhiro Nakamura, Keitaro Nakamura, Caol Uno who recently returned to the UFC, welterweight contender Dong Hyun Kim and of course, one of the top contenders for Anderson Silva’s UFC Middleweight Title, Yushin Okami. However, at UFC 100, the world was introduced to quite possibly the most popular Asian MMA fighter in the world, Yoshihiro Akiyama.

A little bit about the career of the man many netizens dubbed Sexyama. Prior to his stint in MMA, Akiyama competed in international judo tournaments and while he had gone through a few controversies, Akiyama remains one of the top judokas out there. Due to his Korean heritage and Japanese citizenship, Akiyama remains one of the few athletes in the world to represent two countries in judo tournaments. For instance, using his Korean name Sung Hoon Choo, Akiyama represented South Korea to win the Gold Medal at the Asian Championships in 2001, then a year later, represented Japan to take home the Gold Medal at the prestigious Asian Games. With his amazing judo skills, it seemed natural that this fighter would eventually make the transition to MMA.

In 2004, Akiyama made his long-awaited MMA debut at K-1 Premium 2004 Dynamite!! on New Year’s Eve. The popular fighter made an impact when he submitted the current WBF World Heavyweight Champion Francois Botha in under two minutes. While Akiyama had only one loss on his record (a TKO loss to Jerome LeBanner at the very first HERO’S event), Akiyama had been consistently strong in his fights. With victories over the likes of Tokimitsu Ishizawa, Katsuhiko Nagata, Taiei Kin, Kestutis Smirnovas, Melvin Manhoef and Denis Kang, Akiyama proved that he truly belongs in the upper tier of the middleweights in the world. While he had two controversial no contests against Kazushi Sakuraba and Kazuo Misaki, it wasn’t enough to put him down.

While Akiyama was serving his long suspension back in 2007 due to the controversies surrounding his fight with Sakuraba, the judoka decided to pursue other endeavors. Akiyama decided to head back to Korea and from there, took part in endorsing several products, including KIA vehicles, Yakult-ish banana milk drinks and refrigerators. Akiyama also decided to take advantage of his brooding handsome features by modeling for several renowned fashion designers, including Korea’s strangely popular designer, Andre Kim. Sometime in 2008, Akiyama decided to showcase his talents in something not many people would expect from MMA fighters: Singing. Akiyama covered a popular song by Park Sang Min titled Hana e Sarang, showing off his surprising talent in singing for M.Net’s huge Yeon Ga 2008 compilation album and later that year, he performed the same song in front of 50,000+ fans at the Seoul Olympic Jamsil Stadium for the prestigious annual Dream Concert. While he was not well-loved in Japan compared to a few years ago, Koreans still continue to adore him as one of the top celebrities and athletes in the country.

After two lackluster performances in his only two appearances for DREAM against Katsuyori Shibata and Masanori Tonooka, Akiyama was unable to come to terms to renew his FEG contract due to undisclosed reasons, despite showing interest in competing in FEG’s New Year’s Eve spectacular, Dynamite!! 2008. Akiyama immediately became the hottest free agent in the country and SENGOKU had shown some interest in him, particularly due to Akiyama wanting to challenge Hidehiko Yoshida to a fight. However, as one of Asia’s top fighters, Akiyama decided to further showcase his talents and what better place to show his talents than in the United States of America.

In February, Akiyama shocked the world when he signed a two year contract with the UFC. For many of his loyal fans, they were appalled that Akiyama would choose to compete in America than in Japan where they were used to seeing him compete. Despite that, Akiyama felt that he has a lot to prove and by competing against the top middleweights in the world in the top MMA organization, he would be able to show the entire world why he is Asia’s best MMA fighter.

And thus at UFC 100, Akiyama made his highly anticipated debut. Now the world was able to see whether or not Sexyama truly is for real. The popular judoka had a tough task ahead of him in the competitive Alan Belcher, who defeated one of Akiyama’s previous opponents, Denis Kang, back at UFC 93 in January. While Belcher was hoping to welcome Akiyama to the UFC the same way he did to Kang, he eventually failed. Despite landing in some aggressive shots, Akiyama was able to land the most number of strikes (according to CompuStrike, 99 strikes from Akiyama against Belcher’s 78 strikes) and scored all three takedowns attempts throughout the fight, which Belcher never made any attempt to do. The split decision victory signaled an amazing debut from Akiyama who is looking to become one of the UFC’s top contenders for the Middleweight Title and in the many months and years to come, will be facing some of the toughest oppositions he has ever had to face.

In the past, Akiyama has faced some tough challengers, but despite some of the credentials his opponents over in HERO’S and DREAM have, none of them were able to go the distance against Akiyama. In fact, his fight against Belcher was the very first time in his MMA career where Akiyama went to a decision. The road to the Middleweight Title is not easy as Akiyama will have to contend against the likes of Chris Leben, Yushin Okami, Dan Henderson, Chael Sonnen, Wanderlei Silva (whom Akiyama has expressed interest in fighting), Michael Bisping, Patrick Cote, Thales Leites and maybe, if he does go back to the middleweight division, Rich Franklin. Eventually, Akiyama would want to challenge Anderson Silva, one of the most dominant middleweights in the sport, for his UFC Middleweight Title and if he were to win, would truly solidify himself as one of the top middleweights in the world.

But for now, the world awaits Akiyama’s next fight, whenever that will be and when he fights, there is no doubt that the MMA community will be glued in to see how he fares in the UFC’s competitive middleweight division.