Chris Leben Talks Yoshihiro Akiyama

"The Crippler" agreed to take on the former DREAM and K-1 star after Akiyama's original opponent, Wanderlei Silva, blew out a rib heading into the fourth of July weekend pay-per-view. Leben is fresh off a technical knockout victory over Aaron Simpson at the Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 11 Finale earlier this month, an opponent he feels was faster and more powerful than "Sexyama".

"I think he’s basically a little slower version of the guy I just fought. He’s an awesome judo player, he’s got fast kicks, but I don’t think he’s got near the wrestling that Aaron Simpson has and I don’t think he’s got knockout power. But it’s a great fight and an opportunity I couldn’t pass up."

Akiyama has recently made some comments about his fight, saying that Lebel was a big step down from Silva (which is true).  He went on to say that he came to the UFC to fight the best big-name fighters and that Leben doesn't meet those criteria.  My take on it is that Leben is who the UFC is putting up against him and Akiyama better come to terms with it pretty quickly.  Dana's not going to put up with his attitude for long and he's already off to a rough start.  If the UFC had changed opponents for Akiyama (which they can't do) without an injury, then he would have a legitimate gripe.  What he needs to do now is go out and destroy Leben so that his point will be brought home.

He better thank his lucky stars that Silva received an injury or he definitely would've gotten his little smart ass whipped.