Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is one of the most ruthless and high-octane sports. There are several legends in the MMA hall of fame. For example – Forrest Griffin, BJ Penn, Michael Bisping, Ronda Rousey, Rashad Evans, Georges St. Pierre, and many more. However, one of the more recent contemporary athletes of MMA is Yoshihiro Akiyama. If you haven’t heard of Yoshihiro Akiyama, you may have heard of Sexy Yama as this is a nickname most fans have given him. Akiyama is one of the most decorated Japanese MMA fighters. But before that, he used to be an even more celebrated Judoka since he was inducted into Judo at the tender age of 3 years! Akiyama is also well versed in other forms of martial arts. For example, Karate, Boxing, Kick Boxing, Wrestling and also Submission Wrestling.
Yoshihiro Akiyama – Bio – Wiki – All Details
Akiyama represents both Japan as well as South Korea. When playing for Japan, he uses the name Yoshihiro Akiyama. However, when representing South Korea, he often uses the name Choo Sung-hoon.
- His pro MMA record includes 16 wins, 7 losses, and 0 draws.
- He was born on 29th July, 1975 and is currently 46 years old.
- He fights in the Welterweight class (170.0 lbs), similar to MMA legend Georges St. Pierre.
- His height is 5’10” (178cm).
- His reach is 75.0″ (191cm).
- He was born in the city of Ikuno in Osaka, Japan.
- He attended the Kinki University as a youth.
- His foundation style is Judo, although he knows many other martial art forms.
- Currently, he is affiliated with Team Cloud.
- He usually fights out of Minato in Tokyo, Japan.
- His last fight was on 26th March, 2022 at the ONE Championship in Singapore.
- Till date, his recorded earnings from MMA fights are $340,000, which can be equated to his net worth.
- He is married to the famous Japanese fashion model Shiho Yano.
- His boxing idol and inspiration is Mike Tyson.
Personal Life, History, Korean Roots – Yoshihiro Akiyama
Yoshihiro Akiyama fights out of South Korea as well due to his patrilineal roots in the Korean Empire. Akiyama aka Choo Sung-hoon’s great-grandfather, Choo Jeong-won was born in the Jeju county in the old Korean Empire. Choo Jeong-won sailed into Japan with his family during the Japanese imperial occupation of Korea in 1910. It was during this time that his great-grandfather adopted the Japanese name Akiyama. It was in 2009 that Akiyama married Shiho Yano and had their daughter Choo Sarang in 2011.
Meeting with BTS Singer Jung Kook
Akiyama recently met with Korean boy band BTS singer Jung Kook (or Jungkook). This wasn’t a one-off instance but there is history behind this. Jung Kook is an avid boxing enthusiast and has expressed interests in sparring with Akiyama. The reason Jung Kook chose Akiyama is because of the latter’s Korean roots. Moreover, Akiyama is also close friends with the South Korean movie star Jang Keun-suk. Akiyama posted on this Instagram saying “Nice fight” and this is the reason he recently shot to worldwide fame. The BTS South Korean boy band has gained worldwide following. Hence, this shoutout from Jung Kook proved to be a moment of fame for this already famous MMA star.
Takeaway
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