Shields vs Akiyama: Redemption or the boot

by jim-ma on Feb 22, 2012 11:59 AM EST

For Shields and Akiyama, UFC 144 represents a chance for redemption but also the chance of losing their job. Before being brought in to the UFC to fight Georges Saint Pierre in Spring last year, Jake Shields was unbeaten in six years. Similarly, Yoshihiro Akiyama was unbeaten in five years before his current three fight skid started with a loss to Chris Leben in 2010. The heavy hands and crafty submissions of Akiyama face off against the American Ju Jutsu of the former Strikeforce champion.

Recent History

Jake Shields is on a two fight losing streak, having previously been a dominant champion over in Strikeforce.

His most recent loss was a shock early knockout at the hands of Jake Ellenberger.

Akiyama has lost three in a row, albeit against stiff competition in Chris Leben, Micheal Bisping and Vitor Belfort.

Styles

Jake Shields makes no secret of his style. He is well and truly a ju jutsu specialist with with a distinguished wrestling background. Until his fight with Ellenberger, it was always assumed he had an unshakable chin too. As well as skills and chin, Shields has indomitable spirit and heart which has helped him push through adversity inside and out of the cage. Shields tends to stay far away from possible from a striking battle and when he is engaged, uses that durability to find a way to a take down.

Yoshihiro Akiyama also has a great chin, albeit recently exposed by Vitor Belfort. He came to the UFC a real fan favorite, with slick submission skills allied to big punches. In the UFC he has failed to shine so far, looking a little cumbersome trying to land big punches against skilled opponents.

via bleacher report

Head to Head

The key to this match up is whether Shields can avoid or survive Akiyama's big right hand. Akiyama has a great Judo background but I still expect Shields to have the advantage in the wrestling and clinch. Shields will want the fight to go to the ground, where he is certainly stronger. That being said, submitting a battle hardened foe like Akiyama will be tricky and we may see some fun scrambles as Shields locks on submissions and Akiyama escapes.

Prediction

Jake Shields decision.

Hit the comment section if I've got it all wrong. Or all right.

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Comments

I don’t see how you keep Akiyama around if he gets sub’d or stopped by strikes. He is exciting but that is a huge skid and i don’t even think Hardy survives another lopsided loss regardless of what Lorenzo likes his fighters to do.

"with a good physique and explosiveness anybody can perform a takedown"
-RoBerto

by Lesnar's striking coach on Feb 22, 2012 12:09 PM EST reply actions

Agreed

I really like akiyama but I dont think he wins.
He is the only guy I know that loses and keeps going up in competition.
Belcher- solid mw
W silva- legend, Leben- ABove average MW
Bisping- Top Tier MW
Belfort- Just fought for title
Shields- just fought for title, was unbeaten for like 6 years till GSP

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by ItalianStallion54 on Feb 22, 2012 4:22 PM EST up reply actions

There’s no way Shields would be cut . . . he’d probably have to lose 3 more fights at least before that happens.

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by Pootwich on Feb 22, 2012 3:10 PM EST reply actions

Sexy is going to KO Shields

At 170 not many if anyone hits harder then him hes going to land on Jake repeatedly and go for the kill. I really don’t see how Shields takes Akiyama down so yeah first round TKO/KO for Akiyama.

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by Khaos_Warrior on Feb 22, 2012 8:14 PM EST reply actions

You don't see how shields can take him down?

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I don’t know what you said, but I don’t like you.
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by *Californication* on Feb 22, 2012 10:50 PM EST up reply actions

100% takedown defense

but considering his opponents. It isnt all that amazing, still impressive

by MarcGua on Feb 23, 2012 12:05 AM EST up reply actions

I don’t see any of the guys ahving to take him down, he gases-goes Gomi and survives. Better question, who honestly gets subbed by Chris Leben? No one who has ever been ‘elite’.

"with a good physique and explosiveness anybody can perform a takedown"
-RoBerto

by Lesnar's striking coach on Feb 23, 2012 11:17 AM EST up reply actions