UFC 100 – Belcher vs Akiyama

The Talent Feels Confident Fighting Newcomer

Alan "The Talent" Belcher likes his odds against new comer Yoshihiro Akiyama. In a recent interview with MMA Weekly, Belcher speaks about his upcoming fight against Akiyama stating that this is his "Shortcut" to the top.

In Belcher's opinion, a fight against Akiyama is his quickest way to get onto the big stage with thousands of fans watching so he can show the world that he truly is a top-contender.

Despite Akiyama's 11-0 record over the past 4 years, Belcher is still very confident that this fight is the right move for him. After submitting Denis Kang in January, by way of Guillotine Choke, he feels he has proven himself and his abilities on the ground.

Still, he is quoted as saying, "I know my advantages, but I think they're kind of slim, and I'm going to have to work hard, especially to win the way I want to. I want to make a statement."

The statement he wants to make of course is a win by way of knock-out, the dream of all stand-up fighters. Alan has said that if the fight goes to the mat he won't just hold and wait for the fight to be stood up, he feels that he has the offensive abilities now to control the fight both on the ground and on his feet.

Alan concluded his interview with MMA Weekly stating, "I still don't think I've hit my full potential, and I think this could be my breakthrough fight. Every time I'm getting more aggressive and letting it go, so I'm going to try to finish him and be really mean and aggressive. I'm definitely not going down as someone's stepping stone."

UFC 100 will won't be just the proving ground for the title holders, but also for those trying to fight their way towards possible title shots.

The complete card for UFC 100 is:

• Lesner Vs. Mir
• St-Pierre Vs. Alves
• Fitch Vs. Thiago
• Henderson Vs. Bisping
• Akiyama Vs. Belcher
• Coleman Vs. Bonnar
• Danzig Vs. Miller
• Jones Vs. O'Brien
• Kim Vs. Goulet
• Dollaway Vs. Lawlor
• Grice Vs. Gugerty