Since coming to the UFC Yoshihiro Akiyama has gone 1-3 with three straight losses. Akiyama has fought in the Middleweight division since his UFC debut at UFC 100. Following his most recent defeat, a knockout loss to Vitor Belfort at UFC 133, Dana White told Ariel Helwani, “Since Akiyama’s come into the UFC, we begged him, me and Lorenzo (Fertitta) begged him to go to 170, you know, the guy could make 170, it would be interesting to see him at 170...” – For complete interview with Dana White, visit MMAFighting.com.
It looks as if White and Fertitta may get their wish as MMAFighting.com (via Sponichi) is reporting that Akiyama is going to drop to Welterweight and is looking to train with UFC Welterweight Champion Georges St. Pierre.
The report also states that Akiyama would like to make his Welterweight debut when the UFC travels to Japan in early 2012.
