Nikkansports caught up with Akiyama at the Cage Force "EX- Eastern Bound" show on Saturday at the Tokorozawa Shimin Taiikukan in Saitama, Japan.
When asked who he'd like to fight in the UFC, Akiyama answered Wanderlei Silva, who is expected to move down to middleweight after his 195-pound catchweight fight against Rich Franklin at UFC 99.
Akiyama currently trains with fellow UFC fighters Yushin Okami and Caol Uno at Wajutsu Keishukai in Tokyo. Okami will likely receive a UFC middleweight title shot in 2009 and Uno will return to the UFC at UFC 99 in Cologne, Germany.
"The UFC is such a big event," Akiyama said, according to Nikkansports. "I have many things to do before debuting and will learn a lot from Yushin Okami."
Okami added, "Akiyama is physically very strong. He is good at keeping his distance and I supposed he is suited for fighitng in the Octagon."
The Korean-born-Japanese Akiyama will hold press conferences in Tokyo on March 3 and in Korea on March 4.
See Also: Yoshihiro Akiyama signs with the UFC
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