Jake Shields defeats Yoshihiro Akiyama by Unanimous Decision. All judges scored the fight 30-27, 30-27, 30-27.
Leg kick from Jake Shields to open the round. Shields failed to complete his first takedown attempt. Jake reset and dove low for a single leg and pushed Akiyama against the cage. Akiyama defended well and turned Jake against the fence. Jake Shields wildly threw punches but nothing landed significantly. Another failed takedown from Shields and Akiyama landed a massive upper cut. Jake dove for the leg but again couldn’t get the fight to the ground. Akiyama’s takedown defense remained strong midway through the first. Jake used knees against the cage to take Akiyama’s back. Yoshihiro Akiyama turned and escaped the dangerous position. Huge judo throw from Akiyama and then a trip as Jake stood up off the scramble. The round ended with Akiyama looking for another trip.
Jake Shield tried a takedown to open the second but again Akiyama defended well. Spinning back elbow from Akiyama landed cleanly. Jake with a deep shot and Akiyama stuffed it again. Jake Shields was unable to complete any takedowns halfway through the fight. Akiyama threw a high kick and Shield’s caught it. He was unable to use the position to get the fight to the ground. Chopping leg kick from Akiyama turned Jake’s leg. Jake came forward and was tossed by Akiyama. Jake popped right back up and had a deep takedown but again was unable to defend. He transitioned to Akiyama’s back with seconds remaining in the round. The round ended with Akiyama escaping the attempt.
Jake Shields pushed the action at the start of the third round. Akiyama doing well to counter but Shields is landing strikes. Jake scored on the feet with jabs and leg kicks. Akiyama not putting combinations together. Shields attempted another takedown and again Akiyama defended. Jake landing kicks and then dropped for another takedown. Shields got Akiyama down briefly but was unable to keep the fight on the ground. Jake got Akiyama’s back and worked to finish the fight with a rear naked choke. Akiyama defends as the fight ends.