Jake Shields brings the first two fight losing streak of his career into the cage when he faces Yoshihiro Akiyama at UFC 144. He’s a sizable favorite to get his career back on track but Shields knows that Akiyama is no “gimmie.” In a recent interview with Sherdog Radio, Shields discussed wanting to put the fight on the floor and work submissions and being aware of what Akiyama can do on the feet.
But the most interesting moment was a little less than positive note by Jake:
Still, Shields is focused on Akiyama’s punching, particularly his overhand right and his hook. He also acknowledged some concern regarding the questionable tactics Akiyama has used in the past.
“He is a guy that has shown that he’ll cheat any opportunity he gets,” Shields said. “But I think the UFC’s pretty good, and hopefully they’ll have good inspectors out there watching him and making sure he doesn’t try to do anything dirty.”
Akiyama has had multiple complaints leveled against him both in MMA and his judo career for greasing, among other things. Shields putting the idea out there is probably a play to make sure that a little extra time is spent inspecting Akiyama to ensure that he won’t be harder to take down than is “naturally” possible.
As long as Shields can find a way to get the fight on the floor, he should have a pretty clear path to victory.