Chris Leben submits Akiyama with triangle choke, calls out Wanderlei Silva at UFC 116

In the first round Leben was tripped right away after having one of his kicks caught by Akiyama. He was able to stand up and trade and did not sustain any damage while on the ground. Leben was able to rush in a few times and land leg kicks early and even managed to back Akiyama off with the threat of a big hook.

Akiyama then changed the pace of the round sending a message to Leben after landing a kick square to his nuts. When the action returned Akiyama landed a over-hand right flush on the top of his head and then Judo tossed Leben on to his back. Leben was able to attempt two armbars off of his back, but Akiyama exploded out of his closed guard and fully mount the Crippler. Leben escaped the full mount and was able to get Akiyama into the side-mount again, but Akiyama was constantly threatening with submissions from the top. When Leben was finally able to stand up and escape in the final moments of the round, rushing in with the threat of his big haymakers. Akiyama quickly ducked under and landed a single-leg trip to close out the round.

In the beginning of the second round Leben attempted a kick, but slipped on to his back. Akiyama tested his chin again after landing a spinning back fist. Leben looked like the punch frustrated him and landed a big hook then a big straight punch on the jaw of Akiyama. At first it looked like Akiyama was finished as he began to back peddle while wobbling, but he then caught with two consecutive hooks to Leben’s jaw while coming in. Akiyama managed to rock Leben, but was unable to finish him.

Leben and Akiyama then began to swing for the fences in an all-out brawl, the MGM Grand audience stood up on their feet and began cheering in excitement. Akiyama was then able to sweep Leben on to his back and slow down the action again. Leben eventually stood back up and attempted to guillotine Akiyama, but his arms were tired and he was unable to finish. During hte closing moments of the second round Leben was once again able to rock Akiyama with a straight right counter, but was so tired he landed a leg kick with only his toe landing on his opponent’s face.

In the third round Leben pushed the pace landing a nice head kick, but was then rocked moments later with a over-hand right. When Leben fell Akiyama attempted to submit him with a can opener submission. Leben then began hitting Akiyama with punches from the bottom to escape and was able to catch Akiyama in a armbar.

Akiyama was able to escape, but appeared as if he was about to tapout to the submission. Akiyama was literally standing with Leben hanging off of his arm, with his head on the canvas while cranking the arm. In the ensuing moments Akiyama was able to sweep Leben again and retain the advantageous position, as Leben threw punches and elbows from off of his back. Akiyama began to threaten from the top, but out of nowhere Leben threw up a triangle choke.

At first the submission did not appear tight, but Leben began landing hammer fists at will that dropped Akiyama on to his butt. Leben then grabbed Akiyama’s head and force him to tap out with under a minute left in the fight.

In the post-fight interview Leben called out Akiyama’s original opponent, Wanderlei Silva saying “I want Wanderlei!”
OFFICIAL DECISION: Chris Leben defeats Yoshihiro Akiyama by submission (Triangle choke), Round 3 (0:40)