UFC 133 Fight Card: Vitor Belfort vs. Yoshihiro Akiyama, Head to Toe Breakdown

Tomorrow's UFC 133 in Philadelphia will feature two exciting and hard hitting middleweights who are looking to remain viable contenders in their division as former UFC Light-Heavyweight Champion Vitor Belfort takes on Japanese megastar Yoshihiro Akiyama.

"The Phenom" will be looking to bounce back from a brutal, knockout loss to champion Anderson Silva while Akiyama looks to get back to his winning ways as he tries to stop a two fight losing skid.

In danger of being cut by the UFC, Akiyama will most likely be fighting for his job as well on Saturday night.

Considering both fighters' heavy hands and track record of getting into exciting fights, look for this bout to be a candidate for Fight of the Night honors.

Here's how these guys match up in a full, head-to-toe breakdown.

Striking

Both fighters possess knockout power in their devastatingly hard hitting hands.

Over a third of "Sexyama's" wins have come via KO, with many of them coming in spectacular fashion, including a spinning back kick KO of Katsuhiko Nagata in 2006 and a huge slam finish of Masakatsu Okuda.

Belfort's striking is, however, on another level.

13 of his 19 wins have come via KO including brutal finishes of Wanderlei Silva, Randy Couture and most recently, Rich Franklin.

His hands are lightning quick and the power they hold can put anyone in the division to sleep.

It's clear who has the advantage here.

Advantage: Belfort

Grappling

It's no secret that Akiyama is a highly skilled Judoka.

A gold medalist in many international competitions, Akiyama, a third dan in Judo, is one of the most highly skilled Judo players in MMA.

Although unable to use his gi while in the Octagon, he has found ways to sweep and throw his opponents after clinching up with them.

Belfort, however, is also a blackbelt in Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.  He won the bronze medal at the 2001 ADCC in the Absolute Division.

Despite his accomplishments in submission grappling, he has been known to get flustered when put on his back in MMA.

The slight edge will have to go to Akiyama.

Advantage: Akiyama 

Submissions

Akiyama has been known to use some highly skilled submission moves to force his opponents to tap out.

Seven of his 13 wins have come via submission, although it should be noted that two of them were caused by the use of his gi.

Regardless, Akiyama holds a clear advantage in the submission department over Belfort, who holds only two tapout out wins, with one of them a submission to strikes.

Belfort is highly skilled at defending the attacks on the ground, with his only submission loss coming to former Strikeforce champion Alistair Overeem.

Akiyama also has only one tapout loss, a triangle choke defeat to Chris Leben in 2010.

I doubt this fight will remain on the ground for long, but look for Akiyama to have a slight advantage.

Advantage: Akiyama 

Experience

There's no question that Belfort is the more experienced mixed martial artist coming into this fight.

Having been in the fight game since 1996, he's literally faced everyone from Wanderlei and Anderson Silva to Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz.

Not afraid to take on anyone, he's faced numerous current and former world champions and fought in six different promotions.

Although Akiyama has international experience stemming from his Judo days, the level of competition he's faced is not even close to the same level as Belfort's.

The advantage is clear.

Advantage: Belfort

Cardio

Neither fighter has that great of a cardio while their fights drag on.

Akiyama has been notorious of late for gassing in the later rounds, a costly factor that led to his tapout loss to Chris Leben.

Belfort, although known for starting fights with a flurry, also has waned once the rounds go on.

Both warriors have the ability to dig deep and fight through adversity, but their lack of conditioning has effected their success.

Advantage: Even

Variables

Akiyama: This is a must win situation for the Japanese superstar.  Entering the UFC with such promise and hype, he has not lived up to his expectations as of late.  If he were to lose for a third time, look for "Sexyama" to be added to the ever growing list of "former Zuffa fighters." 

The way this fight needs to go for Akiyama is to take Belfort to the mat and grind his way to a win. Submitting him may be difficult, but trying to exchange on the feet would be a terrible game plan.

Belfort: Coming off a February failed title shot against Anderson Silva, Belfort will look to bounce back from that brutal front kick KO.  At 34 years of age, who knows how much he has left in the tank, but another bad loss will certainly bring up the questions of retirement.

The keys to victory for "the Phenom" are preventing the clinch and forcing Akiyama to strike with him. Akiyama has a good chin, but wearing him down on the feet is his best strategy, especially if the fight enters the later rounds.

Prediction

Despite reports of Akiyama changing camps and training with Greg Jackson, I doubt that he will have enough training time there under his belt to implement a grinding strategy.

Belfort's been in the game for too long and will be ready for the takedowns.

His superior hands are by far the best Akiyama has ever seen.  His chin may be good, as seen in his fight against Leben, but Akiyama may just have too much on his plate when it comes to Belfort.

I doubt that either fighter will be put away, although fireworks are almost certain.

Because of his experience and striking ability, I have to go with Belfort.

Prediction: Belfort via unanimous decision (Fight of the Night honors as well).