Read about Yoshihiro ‘Sexyama’ Akiyama’s defeat in a special rules super fight against Nieky Holzken at ONE 165 in Tokyo, Japan. Despite the loss, Akiyama plans to make a comeback in MMA and stay true to his passion for the sport.
| Yoshihiro ‘Sexyama’ Akiyama’s Defeat and Future in MMA |
|---|
| Japanese-South Korean MMA icon Yoshihiro ‘Sexyama’ Akiyama faced Dutch kickboxing legend Nieky Holzken in a special rules super fight at ONE 165 in Tokyo, Japan. Akiyama struggled under the boxing ruleset but plans to make a comeback in MMA. This experience taught him the importance of sticking to his strengths and staying true to his passion for the sport. |
It was a disappointing night for Japanese-South Korean MMA icon Yoshihiro ‘Sexyama’ Akiyama as he faced off against Dutch kickboxing legend Nieky Holzken in a special rules super fight at ONE 165 in Tokyo, Japan. Despite the home advantage, Akiyama struggled under the boxing ruleset in the first round and was unable to recover in the later rounds of Muay Thai and MMA. However, this defeat hasn’t dampened Akiyama’s spirit as he plans to make a comeback in his natural rule and skillset of MMA. In an interview with Sportskeeda MMA, Akiyama expressed his love for the sport and his intention to continue competing in MMA for his fans.
A Lesson Learned
While the matchup against Holzken was a unique opportunity for Akiyama, it highlighted the importance of sticking to his strengths. The striking contest proved to be a challenge for Akiyama, but he believes that if the fight had gone into the third round, his expertise in takedowns and grappling could have turned the tables. This experience has taught him the significance of staying true to his MMA roots.
The Future of ‘Sexyama’
Despite the setback, Akiyama remains determined to entertain his fans and make a mark in the MMA world. He acknowledges that MMA is his field and plans to focus on competing in his natural skillset. While uncertain about his future, Akiyama is committed to making the next move that aligns with his passion for the sport.
For ONE Championship fans who missed the action at ONE 165, the entire event is available for on-demand replay on ONE’s official website.
