Akiyama is coming off a pair of losses since beginning his UFC career with a split-decision against Alan Belcher at UFC 100 in July of 2009. His first loss with the promotion, a submission defeat at the hands of Chris Leben, came at UFC 116, while his second loss came against Michael Bisping at UFC 120, spurring rumors that the middleweight could possibly be let go be let go by the promotion.
But the Japanese mixed martial artist is not the only one who has been struggling lately, as Marquardt has also failed to take home the victory as of late. While the former middleweight top contender dominated Rousimar Palhares at “UFC Fight Night: Marquardt vs. Palhares”, he failed to defeat Yushin Okami at UFC 122, missing out on another shot at champion Anderson Silva.
The 185 lb. bout is set for the main card of UFC 128, which is official for Newark, New Jersey on March 19. The event features a light heavyweight title bout between champion Mauricio Rua and former title-holder Rashad Evans. WEC superstar Urijah Faber is also going to be featured on the main card against Eddie Wineland.
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Marquardt vs. Akiyama Official For UFC 128