Welterweight Yoshihiro Akiyama vs. Amir Sadollah
By the Numbers
Sexyama is 13-5 overall, 1-4 in the UFC with 5 knockouts and 7 submission victories. Amir Sadollah is 6-4 overall, 6-4 in the UFC with 2 submission wins, and the rest by decision. Amir is the underdog at +145.
A People’s History
Sadollah is one of very few to have a career entirely inside the octagon (Matt Mitrione being the only other I can think of off the top of my head). So his record is impressive in its own way. However, he’s also been injured since 2012. It’s kind of amazing to think Amir once outbrawled Matt Brown on TUF, and owns two wins over CB Dollaway. Even though he turned pro fairly late, he never truly blossomed. While that sounds insulting, Amir is not a bad fighter by any means. He just plateaued very early on his pro career.
As for the man known as ‘Sexyama’, it seems fitting that as his career winds down that he’s startling to resemble character actor Cary Hiroyuki Tagawa. Which is not to say that he’s becoming any less sexier. So put down those the pitchforks dear readers. But with only a year away from 40, his potential as a contender in the welterweight division is done.
This fight makes perfect spiritual sense. Sadollah is pretty harmless. I know that sounds like the most damning description of a fighter, but with zero TKO wins to his name he won’t embarrass Akiyama. He’s not necessarily trending upward in the division, so he has the potential to make Akiyama look good (metaphorically) in the cage.
Idiot’s Guide and Analysis
At 0-4 right now, Akiyama looks like he shouldn’t even be fighting right now, but not against Sadollah. Akiyama still has a dynamic set of skills. Not only is his Judo still intact, but his incredible raw power can make an appearance every now and then. Akiyama’s right hand has always been lethal, but his ability to actually use Judo for offensive purposes rather than just as a base are what made him so effective in his prime.
For as little credit as I’ve given Amir thus far in this preview, he deserves above all else to be respected for being a well rounded mixed martial artist who has had to experience his pugilism baptism entirely in the UFC. He’s a solid technical striker with capable work inside, often executing very savvy knees and elbows in close. He’s comfortable wherever the fight takes him which is sometimes enough to keep from being eaten in the welterweight shark tank.
Past Fight Insight
Probably Akiyama vs. Michael Bisping. Sadollah is basically a poor man’s version of Bisping: not a specialist, but a well rounded fighter who can push the pace and win via attrition. One of the things Sadollah can do to win is exploit Akiyama’s questionable cardio. It was never all that when he was a MW, and nothing changed when he moved down to 170. If Amir can take Akiyama’s punches, and make it ugly, he’s a solid value bet.
X-Factor
Many things. Amir hasn’t fought since 2012. He basically only ever goes the distance. Is it possible he’ll be the one unable to match Akiyama’s cardio?
According to Mike Goldberg, Amir has never lost a fight more than once in a row, so consider that as well. I’m curious to see whether Amir can handle Akiyama in the clinch. I realize this is a no brainer for everyone, but Akiyama’s tendency to gas means his ability inside is dramatically reduced. If he’s pushing and pulling, failing to execute trips, and Amir is steadily landing knees to the body then Amir is in a great position to take over the bout.
Prognostication
Fighters lose plenty of qualities as time passes them by: chin, cardio, flexibility, anticipation, etc. But they don’t lose that punching power. I feel like Akiyama won’t be threatened enough to feel comfortable throwing his right hand at will. It’ll land, and Sexyama will win after losing the first two rounds in dramatic fashion. Akiyama by TKO, round 3.