UFC 100 Preview: The Main Card

Yoshihiro Akiyama vs. Alan Belcher

The Breakdown: After making his name on the Japanese circuit, middleweight standout Akiyama makes his UFC debut against Belcher, Mississippi’s main man. Akiyama is a tremendous fighter, and Belcher is not well-rounded enough to keep up with him. Standing, Akiyama has shown a surprising talent for kickboxing, and his Judo background has translated into equally superb takedowns and submissions. While Belcher has always been a slick striker, his grappling remains a weakness that’s begging to be exploited, and Akiyama will be all too willing to teach him the three-tap symphony.

The X Factor: Belcher’s only out is his striking, as he’s not going to luck his way into a submission. However, he will not like Akiyama’s piston punching and brute physicality. Keeping that in mind, Belcher needs to stay patient and work on wearing down Akiyama without letting himself get caught up in too many exchanges. Banking on Akiyama ignoring the ground game is a fool’s bet, but it’s the only hope Belcher has to save himself from becoming the canvas for Akiyama’s pain painting.

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The Bottom Line: Expect Belcher to live up to his role as a showcase opponent by getting thoroughly outclassed by Akiyama.