UFC 116 card changed
 

It's been confirmed... Wandy has just had to pull out due to breaking 3 ribs during training. So Chris Leben will be stepping in to face Akiyama in the co headliner spot.

That displeases me and makes me sad cause I was really really really lookin forward to seeing Wanderlei fighting again.

Hopefully Leben gets his ribs broken in the fight as well as getting made out to look like the bitch that he is.

It also displeases Akiyama, as he gains nothing from this fight, if he wins he beat a guy who he was supposed to be and fought three weeks earlier. And, yeah, well no one wants to lose to Leben.

Wanderlei also fucked up his knee as well.

Although Leben isn't as big a name as wanderlei (by far), he's still quite well known in the US, so a win over him will still do Akiyama's name good.

Also Grove V Reljic has been moved from the spiketv portion of the card, to the undercard and Petruzelli V Romero is now on Spiketv.

Now that all that is out of the way...Wanderlei :'(

I just don't see how much beating Leben can do for Akiyama. I mean besides beating someone that has somewhat of a name... it's like... who doesn't expect Akiyama to win. Leben winning would be considered an upset.

If Akiyama could have defeated Wanderlei then that would have really been something. Been training for a LONG time and so close and Wandy gets hurt. And now he has to face off against Leben. Still gonna be a tough fight but... it just doesn't have much appeal.

I'm not sold on that fact that Akiyama will beat Leben, to be honest. Akiyama had TONS of trouble with Alan Belcher and just barely squeaked a victory out. As battle torn as Leben his, I'd still say he's got a shot.

People underestimate Leben alot. He's not as technically skilled as Wanderlei/Belcher, but he's certainly got a good chin, powerful striking, and pretty good Takedown defence. He's also been around for a while now, and he seems to be fighting abit more stratigically now days.

And once again, besides the big mma fans, not many people in the US know much about Akiyama. A victory over Leben (though not huge) will still add to his popularity and standing. Especially if he puts on a really good performance.

I think Akiyama sees it as the risk doesn't outweigh the reward.

Sexiyama will crush Leben. Calling it now.

Suck s tho. If he'd beaten Wandy, Japan would hail Akiyama as a national hero.

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I'm sure if he could have he would of though.

:( Sucks for Wandy. I was really looking forward to that fight too. Might make the difference between me ordering it, and watching it by other means.

Still gonna be a good PPV either way.

Carwin V Lesnar - Will be interesting no matter what happens
Sexyama V Leben - Will be Exciting
Brown V Lytle - Should be a war
Kryzstoff V Bonnar - Was good last time round, both guys are gonna push it harder again this time
Pelligrino V Sot - Should be fun

I'd say the card is worth ordering. Plus will probably get Grove V Reljic at some point during the card to, which is awesome.

I really think Leban should stay on UFN not PPV.

Sucks for Wandy. was really looking forward to his fight.