Popular Japanese MMA fighter, Yoshihiro Akiyama, told ABS-CBN that he is a huge fan of Filipino boxing sensation and pound-4-pound king, Manny “The Pac-Man” Pacquiao.
Akiyama who faces Chris Leben at UFC 116 in Las Vegas is the only Asian MMA fighter on the Brock Lesnar vs. Shane Carwin card, and looks to Asian boxing star Manny Pacquiao as inspiration to impress in front of an international audience.
“By watching Pacquiao, I gained a lot of courage…and I want to be like him. And also to show that an Asian fighter can also perform well in a world class stage,” Akiyama told ABS-CBN.
Manny Pacquiao has many fans in the MMA community because of his exciting style and warrior spirit in the ring. One of Manny Pacquiao’s biggest fans includes UFC president Dana White who picks Manny Pacquiao over Floyd Mayweather should the two fight in November.
Photo of UFC fighter Yoshihiro Akiyama
In the Philippines, UFC 116: “Brock Lesnar vs Shane Carwin” will air live on Balls, Sunday 10:00 AM and a replay on Studio 23 at 10:00 PM.
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