Yoshihiro Akiyama not ready for Chris Leben

So news came out that that Wanderlei “The Axe Murder” Silva (33-10-1 1NC) had to pull out of his bout with Yoshihiro “Sexy” Akiyama (13-1, 2NC) at UFC 116 on July 3^rd. Wanderlei has a bum knee with ligament problems and some fractured ribs, which he injured while preparing for his fight with Yoshihiro.

So the search was on and Chris “The Crippler” Leben (20-6) got the call and now we have Chris Leben versus Yoshihiro Akiyama, or do we?

Akiyama is now threatening to pull out of the fight because he doesn’t have enough time to prepare for Chris Leben. With only 10 days until UFC 116 Yoshihiro is upset that he has been training for this fight with Wanderlei for close to a year to know change opponents. Akiyama feels like his preparation for Leben would have been different than it was for Wanderlei. Yoshihiro also believes that Leben is a step down and fighting him will not help his chances at climbing the ladder to a title shot.

You have to think that if Akiyama believes Leben is a step down then whats the issue? This type of thing happens in MMA and weather its a upgrade or downgrade all you can do is handle your bussiness and get that win. Akiyama is likely looking for an out either before the fight or after the fight should he actually lose the fight, can you see him saying “I wasn’t ready for Leben’s style and that’s why I lost.” 

Most believe that Leben is a huge step down from Wanderlei Silva but some are also saying Leben is back to his old form and ready to showcase his skills again. Lets not forget this is the UFC and there really isn’t any gimme fights, Leben will be a game opponent and no push over for Akiyama.

With only 10 days Dana White is feverishly trying to persuade Akiyama to stay in the fight or worst case scenario they are trying to find a suitable replacement. Time is running out though so Akiyama and White better figure things out quickly.

Tags: Chris Leben, Dana White, MMA, UFC, UFC 116, Wanderlei Silva, Yoshihiro Akiyama

Category: MMA, UFC