YOSHIHIRO AKIYAMA

ATTRIBUTES

OFFENSIVE SKILLS

DEFENSIVE SKILLS

ULTIMATE TECHNIQUES

RIGHT CHOPPING HOOK

Level 2 - Both Standing, Clinch Range

Akiyama can inflict plenty of punishment with this quick hook once he gets inside on his opponent.

JUDO OUCHIGARI TO OPEN GUARD, TOP

Level 3 - Double Underhook Cage, Offense

This is Akiyama’s most effective judo throw. Like all his clinch throws, it’s a great way to bring opponents to the mat.

DIRECT CATCH TO ARMBAR FROM THE TOP

Level 2 - Mount, Top

Akiyama’s armbars rank among his best submissions. Those he applies from Side Control or Mount are particularly effective.

Strengths

• Judo
• Submissions
• Knockout power

Akiyama is a tough, durable fighter who’s fought plenty of wars during his long career in Japan and, more recently, inside the Octagon.

His impressive speed and cardio allow him to mix things up very effectively on the feet, where he punishes his opponents with quick combos and utilizes effective techniques such as spinning back-fists and head kicks.

Akiyama is equally effective in the clinch, where he calls upon his vast array of judo throws to bring his opponents to the mat with brilliant technique.

Many of Akiyama’s clinch throws land him in Side Control, where he can lock in powerful armbars and chokes.

Weaknesses

• Low strength
• Vulnerable to clinch strikes
• Susceptible to takedowns

Because he’s a well-rounded fighter, it’s tough to find many holes in Akiyama’s game. Look to exploit your fighter’s strengths instead and try to overwhelm Akiyama with your best brand of offense.

Unless your fighter is dominant on the feet or in the clinch, it’s often best to avoid these areas and bring Akiyama to the ground with an unexpected takedown instead.

Though he possesses knockout power in all positions, Akiyama doesn’t boast many high-level technique strikes and must therefore work at scoring the knockout by setting up his combos.