Yoshihiro Akiyama

Yoshihiro Akiyama (秋山 成勲, born July 29, 1975), also known as Sung-hoon Choo (추성훈), is a Japanese mixed martial artist and judoka who won the gold medal at the 2001 Asian Championships for South Korea and for Japan at the 2002 Asian Games. A fourth-generation Japanese of Korean descent, he acquired Japanese nationality in 2001. He is the former K-1 HERO's Light Heavyweight Grand Prix Tournament Champion.

Yoshihiro Akiyama
Akiyama in 2016
Born (1975-07-29) July 29, 1975
Osaka, Japan
Native name秋山成勲 (Akiyama Yoshihiro)
추성훈 (Choo Sung-hoon)
Other namesSexyama
ResidenceOsaka, Japan
NationalitySouth Korean Japanese
Height177 cm (5 ft 10 in)
Weight84 kg (185 lb; 13 st 3 lb)
DivisionMiddleweight
Welterweight
Reach75 in (191 cm)
StanceOrthodox
Fighting out ofOsaka, Japan
TeamTeam Cloud
Jackson's Submission Fighting
Rank3rd dan black belt in Judo
Black belt in Gaidojutsu
Years active2004–present
Mixed martial arts record
Total24
Wins15
By knockout6
By submission7
By decision2
Losses7
By knockout2
By submission1
By decision4
No contests2
Other information
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog
last updated on: October 17, 2010
Yoshihiro Akiyama
Japanese name
Kanji秋山成勲
Hiraganaあきやま よしひろ
Korean name
Hangul
Hanja
Yoshihiro Akiyama
Medal record
Men's Judo
Representing  South Korea
Asian Championships
2001 Ulaanbaatar-81 kg
Representing  Japan
Asian Games
2002 Busan-81 kg

Judo career

Before his professional mixed martial arts career, Akiyama was a decorated judoka.[1] He began training in judo at the age of three. He has also trained Karate, Boxing, Kickboxing, Wrestling and also submission fighting with Greg Jackson.

2001 Asian championships

Representing South Korea, Choo won the gold medal at the 2001 Asian Judo Championships.

2002 Asian Games

Representing Japan, Akiyama won the gold medal at the 2002 Asian Games defeating Ahn Dong-Jin of South Korea in the finals.

2003 World Judo Championships controversy

Akiyama defeated three opponents from France, Mongolia and Turkey to reach the semi-finals of the 81 kg Light Middleweight division. However, all three opponents claimed that Akiyama had a slippery judogi. Wearing a reserve gi, Akiyama lost two games in a row (semifinal and 3rd-place match) and missed the medal.[2][3]

International Judo Federation referee director Juan Carlos Barcos said an examination of the gi found that the slippery texture was due to high humidity which prevailed in Osaka and a detergent used to wash the uniform. "At any moment, we did not have any doubt about fair play in the case. We are absolutely sure that Mr. Akiyama is correct," since he changed the jacket at the request of the jury, Barcos said.

Akiyama was also accused of wearing slippery gear by former world and Olympic champion Kenzo Nakamura when they fought at the world championship trials in 2002.[4]

Mixed martial arts career

HERO'S

Akiyama's mixed martial arts debut was in the K-1 Premium 2004 Dynamite event on December 31, 2004, where he defeated boxer Francois Botha by armbar submission in the first round. His first defeat was to Jerome LeBanner, who knocked him out with knees in his second fight at the HERO'S 1 event on March 26, 2005, although LeBanner is a heavyweight that came into the fight at 262 pounds (119 kg), while Akiyama came into the fight at 189.5 pounds (86 kg).[5] He has notable wins against Tokimitsu Ishizawa, Taiei Kin, Kestutis Smirnovas and Melvin Manhoef. Akiyama defeated Melvin Manhoef at the Hero's light-heavyweight Grand Prix 2006 final round, and gained the champion belt.

In K-1 Premium 2006 Dynamite, Akiyama fought the legendary Kazushi Sakuraba in the main event. During the match, Sakuraba called to the referee saying "[Akiyama is] Slippery!" Akiyama went on to win the match with a referee stoppage. This created a controversy amongst MMA fans in Japan, assuming Akiyama was using some sort of body oil or lubricant, banned in K-1 rules.

But at this moment, Akiyama answered to questions about the oil in the interview as follows: "I have no idea why Sakuraba felt slippery. It may be my sweat, as I sweat a lot always and it often drips off my body."

On January 11, Akiyama and FEG (the parent company of K-1) held a press conference during which Akiyama said he used Olay lotion prior to the fight claiming that the lotion was used to treat a worn gi.[6] Pre-fight footage also showed Akiyama casually applying six bottles of lotion to his body in his locker room. As a result, Akiyama was disqualified and his prize money was suspended. Akiyama himself was suspended indefinitely from HERO'S competition six days later.[7] Public outcry against Akiyama did not cease however, and Nike was swamped with complaints when Akiyama was featured on a television commercial in Japan.[8] Though Akiyama has admitted to applying cream to his skin, he has said that the purpose was not to gain an unfair advantage but to treat his dry skin. The fight was ruled a "No Contest".

Akiyama was cleared from his FEG-induced suspension and FEG announced that Akiyama would return to K-1 Hero's in Seoul, on October 28, 2007. His opponent was Denis Kang, who was the finalist of PRIDE Bushido Grand Prix 2006 and making his debut in Hero's. Though he was an underdog, Akiyama beat Kang by KO in the first round.

Yarennoka! fight

On December 31, 2007, Akiyama faced Kazuo Misaki at Yarennoka!. The rules of the match stated that kicks to the head of a downed opponent would not be allowed.[9] Late in the first round Misaki knocked down Akiyama with left hook, and as Akiyama struggled to his feet, Misaki delivered a lunging kick to the face which knocked Akiyama out.[9] The match was ruled a knockout victory for Misaki, but Akiyama contended that one or both of his hands were on the mat at the time of the kick, which would make the kick a foul under the Yarennoka! rules.[9] After reviewing video of the knockout, the Yarennoka! executive committee agreed; the official result was changed to a no contest.[10]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

On February 24, 2009 it was announced on the official UFC website that Akiyama had signed a deal with the company. Even though he suffered a broken orbital bone during the start of round two, Akiyama went on to beat UFC veteran Alan Belcher at UFC 100 on July 11 by split decision (30–27, 28–29, 29–28).[11] It was the 1st fight in Akiyama's career that went to the judges' score cards. The bout was also awarded "Fight of the Night" honors, granting both fighters a record-setting $100,000 bonus each.

On May 30, 2009 Akiyama opened a new gym in Tokyo, Japan. The 'Akiyama Dojo' has Judo and MMA halls, 30 tatami mats and three octagonal cages.[12]

Akiyama joined Xtreme Couture for the month of October 2009 to work on his striking skills. Akiyama was expected to face MMA legend and former PRIDE Middleweight Champion Wanderlei Silva on February 21, 2010 at UFC 110,[13] but Silva instead faced British striker Michael Bisping on the card, winning via unanimous decision.[14] At the Post-fight conference, UFC President Dana White stated that Akiyama had requested to fight Silva for a while and has refused to fight other opponents, after which both fighters verbally agreed to fight.[15]

Akiyama was expected to face Silva on July 3, 2010 at UFC 116.[16] Wanderlei had to pull out on June 22, 2010 due to fractured ribs suffered in training. Chris Leben was chosen as a replacement. Despite controlling the majority of the fight with effective strikes and solid Judo takedowns, Akiyama became fatigued after the first round and lost via triangle choke with just twenty seconds left in the third round.[17] His loss to Leben was his first official loss in five years.

Akiyama lost to Michael Bisping on October 16, 2010 at UFC 120 by unanimous decision.[18] In preparation for his fight with Bisping, Akiyama switched to Jackson’s Submission Fighting in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It is unclear whether the switch is permanent.[19] Even though Akiyama lost to Bisping, he rocked him in the first round. He earned his third "Fight of the Night" honors. He has now earned "Fight of the Night" honors for all three of his UFC appearances.

Akiyama was briefly scheduled to face Chael Sonnen on March 19, 2011 at UFC 128,[20] but, due to Sonnen's suspension, the fight was scrapped. Akiyama was later scheduled to face Nate Marquardt at the same event,[21] but pulled out due to the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami and was replaced by Dan Miller.[22]

Akiyama was defeated by Vitor Belfort at UFC 133 via KO (Punches) in the first round. This defeat marked the third straight loss for Akiyama in the UFC. Following the fight, Dana White stated that Akiyama most likely would not be cut from the organization if he agrees to move down to welterweight. As of September 3, 2011, Akiyama has stated he will move down a weight class, allowing him to stay in the UFC. On November 3, 2011, a picture of Akiyama had circled the web of his body frame as a welterweight.

Akiyama faced Jake Shields on February 26, 2012 at UFC 144. He lost the fight via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).[23] During the bout, Akiyama was able to utilize multiple judo techniques which was praised as the main highlights of the fight; despite losing the decision.

Akiyama was expected to face Thiago Alves on July 21, 2012 at UFC 149.[24] However, Akiyama was forced out of the bout with an injury.

Akiyama had made an appearance alongside UFC featherweight Hatsu Hioki during the Q&A session for UFC on Fuel TV 8. During the Q&A, Akiyama stated he was thinking about returning for another bout as long as he has a free schedule as well as being matched against a well-known opponent that would interest fans. Akiyama also stated he still has interest in fighting Wanderlei Silva, a bout scheduled for UFC 116 but was changed when Silva had to pull out of the fight due to injury.

After over two and a half years away from the sport, Akiyama returned from his self-imposed hiatus on September 20, 2014 at UFC Fight Night 52.[25] He was originally scheduled to face Kyle Noke on the card. However, Noke was forced out of the bout with a knee injury[26] and replaced by Amir Sadollah.[27] Akiyama won the fight via unanimous decision.

After another year away from the sport, Akiyama returned to face Alberto Mina on November 28, 2015 at UFC Fight Night 79.[28] He lost the back-and-forth fight via split decision.[29]

ONE Championship

After three years from his previous bout, Akiyama announced his contract with ONE Championship.[30] Akiyama faced Agilan Thani in a co-headliner bout at ONE Championship: Legendary Quest on June 20, 2019. He lost the bout via unanimous decision[31]

Akiyama faced Sherif Mohamed at ONE Championship 109: King of the Jungle on February 28, 2020.[32] Akiyama won the fight via knockout in the first round, his first stoppage via strikes in nearly 13 years.[33]

Fighting style

As a former gold medalist in the sport, Akiyama stands out in MMA for his style of judo. His usage of it is mainly defensive, as he rarely indulges in the art's signature throws. Instead, Akiyama focuses mostly on defending takedowns in order to brawl with his opponent or getting top position on the mat to perform ground and pound.[34] However, he has shown skill with harai goshi, kosoto gake and ouchi gari/osoto gari combinations, as well as the more complex uchi mata.[35] Also, thanks to his knowledge of grip fighting, he is often successful in catching low kicks and following with sharp counterpunching.[35]

Personal life

Choo Sung-hoon's great-grandfather, Choo Jeong-won, was born in Jeju County, Jeollanam-do, Korean Empire (now Jeju City). During the Imperial Japanese occupation of Korea, Choo Jeong-won and his family sailed to Japan and adopted Japanese names to help settle in. In March 2009, Akiyama married famous Japanese fashion model Shiho Yano (also known as SHIHO in Japan) whom he had been dating since January 2007. The couple have a daughter, Choo Sarang, who was born on October 24, 2011.[36] Akiyama and Sarang starred in the reality show, The Return of Superman, covering their father-daughter relationship.[37]

He names Heavyweight Champion boxer Mike Tyson as his hero and holds a University degree in Commerce.[38] He is close friends with South Korean actor Jang Keun-suk.[39] In September 2015, Akiyama also appeared as a guest on 2 Days & 1 Night.[40]

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts record
Professional record breakdown
24 matches 15 wins 7 losses
By knockout 6 2
By submission 7 1
By decision 2 4
No contests 2
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 15–7 (2) Sherif Mohamed KO (punch) ONE Championship 109: King of the Jungle February 28, 2020 1 3:04 Kallang, Singapore
Loss 14–7 (2) Agilan Thani Decision (unanimous) ONE Championship: Legendary Quest June 15, 2019 3 5:00 Shanghai, China
Loss 14–6 (2) Alberto Mina Decision (split) UFC Fight Night: Henderson vs. Masvidal November 28, 2015 3 5:00 Seoul, South Korea
Win 14–5 (2) Amir Sadollah Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Hunt vs. Nelson September 20, 2014 3 5:00 Saitama, Japan
Loss 13–5 (2) Jake Shields Decision (unanimous) UFC 144 February 26, 2012 3 5:00 Saitama, Japan Welterweight debut.
Loss 13–4 (2) Vitor Belfort KO (punches) UFC 133 August 6, 2011 1 1:52 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Loss 13–3 (2) Michael Bisping Decision (unanimous) UFC 120 October 16, 2010 3 5:00 London, England Fight of the Night.
Loss 13–2 (2) Chris Leben Submission (triangle choke) UFC 116 July 3, 2010 3 4:40 Las Vegas, United States Fight of the Night.
Win 13–1 (2) Alan Belcher Decision (split) UFC 100 July 11, 2009 3 5:00 Las Vegas, United States Fight of the Night.
Win 12–1 (2) Masanori Tonooka Submission (armbar) Dream 6: Middleweight Grand Prix 2008 Final Round September 23, 2008 1 6:26 Saitama, Japan
Win 11–1 (2) Katsuyori Shibata Technical Submission (Ezekiel choke) Dream 5: Lightweight Grand Prix 2008 Final Round July 21, 2008 1 6:34 Osaka, Japan
NC 10–1 (2) Kazuo Misaki NC (overturned) Yarennoka! December 31, 2007 1 7:48 Saitama, Japan Originally a KO victory for Misaki; overturned after a soccer kick was ruled illegal.
Win 10–1 (1) Denis Kang KO (punch) Hero's 2007 in Korea October 28, 2007 1 4:45 Seoul, South Korea
NC 9–1 (1) Kazushi Sakuraba NC (overturned) K-1 Premium 2006 Dynamite!! December 31, 2006 1 5:37 Osaka, Japan Originally a TKO victory for Akiyama; ruled no contest due to greasing.
Win 9–1 Melvin Manhoef Submission (armbar) Hero's 7 October 9, 2006 1 1:58 Yokohama, Japan Hero's 2006 Light Heavyweight Grand Prix final.
Win 8–1 Kestutis Smirnovas TKO (punches) Hero's 7 October 9, 2006 1 3:01 Yokohama, Japan Hero's 2006 Light Heavyweight Grand Prix semifinal.
Win 7–1 Taiei Kin Technical Submission (armbar) Hero's 6 August 5, 2006 1 2:01 Tokyo, Japan Hero's 2006 Light Heavyweight Grand Prix quarterfinal.
Win 6–1 Katsuhiko Nagata KO (spinning back kick) Hero's 5 May 3, 2006 1 2:25 Tokyo, Japan
Win 5–1 Tokimitsu Ishizawa Submission (Ezekiel choke) Hero's 4 March 15, 2006 2 1:41 Tokyo, Japan
Win 4–1 Masakatsu Okuda KO (slam and punches) Hero's 2005 in Seoul November 5, 2005 1 3:31 Seoul, South Korea
Win 3–1 Michael Lerma TKO (punches) K-1: World MAX 2005 October 12, 2005 1 2:47 Tokyo, Japan
Win 2–1 Carl Toomey Submission (armbar) Hero's 2 July 6, 2005 1 0:59 Tokyo, Japan
Loss 1–1 Jérôme Le Banner KO (knees) Hero's 1 March 26, 2005 1 2:24 Saitama, Japan
Win 1–0 Francois Botha Submission (armbar) K-1 Premium 2004 Dynamite!! December 31, 2004 1 1:54 Osaka, Japan

Judo competition record
Notable Accomplishments/Titles (judo)
All-Japan Collegiate Separate Weight Divisions 2nd Place 2004
All-Japan Industry Judo Singles 81 kg Champion 2001
Kodokan Cup Japan Judo Championship 81 kg Champion 2001
Japan International Judo Tournament 81 kg Champion 2002
Paris International Judo Tournament 81 kg Champion 2002
Asian Games Judo 81 kg Champion 2002 (in Busan)
All-Japan Invitational Judo Championship Separate Weight Divisions 81 kg Champion 2003
World Judo Championship 81 kg Japan Representative 2003

See also

References
  1. fighter's profile – Yoshihiro Akiyama. K-1sport.de. Retrieved on June 11, 2011.
  2. 2003 Judo Championship official results "Archived copy". Archived from the original on January 19, 2008. Retrieved December 25, 2007.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link), -81kg
  3. archives. Taipei Times (2011-06-05). Retrieved on June 11, 2011.
  4. Taipei Times, Japanese hail judo comeback despite slippery-jacket row, September 13, 2003
  5. Archived October 13, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
  6. Bout Review USA. K-1 Dynamite!! 'Akiyama Disqualified!' Archived May 10, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
  7. Sportsnavi article Archived February 6, 2007, at the Wayback Machine (in Japanese). January 17, 2007
  8. Advertising at. Sherdog.com (2007-02-07). Retrieved on June 11, 2011.
  9. Breen, Jordan (January 11, 2008). "Akiyama Camp Protests Misaki's KO Kick". Sherdog.com. Retrieved January 12, 2008.
  10. "Akiyama-Misaki Ruled No Contest". Sherdog.com. January 22, 2008. Retrieved January 22, 2008.
  11. "Yoshihiro Akiyama breaks his orbital bone at UFC 100". Retrieved February 16, 2010.
  12. "Snapshot of the Day: Akiyama Opens Team Cloud Tokyo". Archived from the original on June 11, 2009. Retrieved May 30, 2009.
  13. "Wanderlei Silva confirms rumored UFC 110 headliner with Yoshihiro Akiyama in Australia". Archived from the original on October 19, 2009. Retrieved October 16, 2009.
  14. UFC 110 Main Card – You Can’t Kill The Axe Murderer – Silva Decisions Bisping Archived February 24, 2010, at the Wayback Machine. Ufc.com. Retrieved on June 11, 2011.
  15. Wanderlei, Akiyama Want to Meet. Sherdog.com. Retrieved on June 11, 2011.
  16. "Wanderlei Silva vs. Yoshihiro Akiyama Signed For UFC 116". Retrieved April 29, 2009.
  17. Chris Leben Submits Yoshihiro Akiyama For The Comeback Victory Archived July 11, 2011, at the Wayback Machine. FightLine.com (2010-07-03). Retrieved on June 11, 2011.
  18. "Bisping faces Akiyama at UFC 120 which will air live on SpikeTV". fightersonlymagazine.co.uk. Archived from the original on July 11, 2010. Retrieved July 9, 2010.
  19. Akiyama Joins Jackson Camp for Bisping Bout at UFC 120. Sherdog.com. Retrieved on June 11, 2011.
  20. "Chael Sonnen vs. Yoshihiro Akiyama at UFC 128". mmajunkie.com. January 4, 2011. Archived from the original on January 7, 2011.
  21. "With Chael Sonnen out, Yoshihiro Akiyama now meets Nate Marquardt at UFC 128". sports.yahoo.com. January 7, 2011. Archived from the original on January 8, 2011. Retrieved January 15, 2017.
  22. "UFC 128: Dan Miller vs Nate Marquardt booked with Yoshihiro Akiyama out due to Japan tsunami". mmamania.com. March 12, 2011.
  23. "Yoshihiro Akiyama drops to 170 pounds, faces Jake Shields at UFC 144 in Japan". mmajunkie.com. November 14, 2011. Archived from the original on November 16, 2011.
  24. "Yoshihiro Akiyama vs. Thiago Alves targeted for UFC 149 in Calgary". mmajunkie.com. April 10, 2012. Archived from the original on April 13, 2012.
  25. C.J. Tuttle (July 9, 2014). "Yoshihiro Akiyama Returns to the Octagon on Sept. 20". sherdog.com. Retrieved July 9, 2014.
  26. Tristen Critchfield (August 7, 2014). "Kyle Noke Injures Knee, Pulls Out of Sept. 20 UFC Fight Night Bout vs. Akiyama". sherdog.com. Retrieved August 7, 2014.
  27. Jacob Cooper (August 8, 2014). "Amir Sadollah returns vs. Yoshihiro Akiyama at UFC Fight Night 52". cagepages.com. Retrieved August 8, 2014.
  28. Antopn Tabuena (August 24, 2014). "Ben Henderson vs. Thiago Alves, several other bouts set for UFC: Korea". bloodyelbow.com. Retrieved August 24, 2014.
  29. Steven Marrocco (November 28, 2015). "UFC Fight Night 79 results: Alberto Mina edges Yoshihiro Akiyama in slugfest". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved November 28, 2015.
  30. Alexander K. Lee (November 29, 2018). "ONE Championship announces signing of 'Sexyama'". mmafighting.com.
  31. Guilherme Cruz (May 20, 2019). "Yoshihiro Akiyama's ONE Championship debut set for June". mmafighting.com.
  32. "Yoshihiro Akiyama returns at ONE Championship 109 in February". mmajunkie.com. January 17, 2020.
  33. Simon Head (February 28, 2020). "ONE Championship 109 results: Yoshihiro Akiyama rolls back the years to flatten Sherif Mohamed". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved February 28, 2020.
  34. Wilcox, Nate (June 30, 2009). "UFC 100 Preview: Ladies and Gentlemen, Yoshihiro "Sexyama" Akiyama". Bloody Elbow. Retrieved August 12, 2016.
  35. Wilcox, Nate (October 13, 2010). "Judo Chop: The Instinctive Judo of Yoshihiro Akiyama". Bloody Elbow. Retrieved August 12, 2016.
  36. "SHIHO, Akiyama Yoshihiro celebrate first child". Tokyograph. October 26, 2011. Retrieved November 14, 2013.
  37. janeyin2u (January 26, 2014). "Chu Sung Hoon and Lovely Daughter Chu Sarang Dress Up Sporty for Cosmopolitan".
  38. "Yoshihiro Akiyama". Archived from the original on April 13, 2009. Retrieved December 25, 2009.
  39. "Choo Sung Hoon hangs out with his dongseng Jang Geun Suk - allkpop.com".
  40. "Mixed martial artists Choo Sung Hoon and Kim Dong Hyun to make special appearance on "1 Night 2 Days"". Koreaboo. Retrieved October 16, 2015.
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