Akiyama: I’m still aiming to be a champion
Despite the losing streak, Yoshihiro Akiyama is confident returning to the Octagon and still one day hopes to fight for the UFC welterweight title.
It has been more than two years since Yoshihiro Akiyama has fought professionally, and he also lost his last four bouts inside the UFC Octagon. However, for the UFC’s return to Japan, Akiyama was offered another bout which he accepted and will fight Amir Sadollah on Saturday.
Despite the losing streak, Akiyama is confident returning to the Octagon and still one day hopes to fight for the UFC welterweight title.
Akiyama, who UFC president Dana White once said turned down another fight offer because he wanted to fight only Silva, was not aware of the commission issues Silva is facing but said it doesn’t change his desire to fight him at some point.
Yes, I still want to fight Wanderlei Silva, Akiyama said. I’ve been very fond of him in terms of his skills and everything about his fights. We’re on the same stage, so yes, I want to fight him. Nothing changes my mind about that.
Of course, first comes Sadollah on Saturday — the matchup the UFC wanted. If Akiyama looks good, perhaps he will be in a position to make requests for his next fight.
I’m definitely still aiming to be a champion, Akiyama said.