Yoshihiro Akiyama vs. Kyle Noke in the works for UFC Fight Night 52 in Japan
A welterweight matchup between Yoshihiro Akiyama (13-5 MMA, 1-4 UFC) and Kyle Noke (20-7-1 MMA, 3-3 UFC) is in the works for UFC’s return to Japan.
A Sherdog.com report of an Akiyama vs. Noke booking cited a UFC-produced promotional video of the matchup for the card. However a UFC official confirmed that while that contest is currently targeted for UFC Fight Night 52, the bout is not finalized at this time.
Featuring a heavyweight matchup between Mark Hunt and Roy Nelson, UFC Fight Night 52 takes place Sept. 20 at Saitama Super Arena in Saitama Japan. The evening’s full lineup has yet to be revealed, but it’s expected to air in the U.S. on UFC Fight Pass.
A Japanese MMA legend, Akiyama turns 39 years old later this month and could be nearing the end of a 10-year MMA career. A judo specialist who became an Asian superstar, Akiyama has struggled in his UFC run, earning just one win in five appearances. Still, he’s delivered three “Fight of the Night†performances in that run.
Meanwhile, Noke is also in dire need of a win. After claiming victory in his first three official octagon appearances, he’s since struggled through a 1-3 stretch, scoring a victory over Charlie Brenneman but losing to Patrick Cote, Andrew Craig and Ed Herman.
