Yoshihiro Akiyama will return to action for his ONE Championship debut on June 20, co-headlining ONE: Legendary Quest in Shanghai, China, against former welterweight title contender Agilan Thani, the promotion announced.
“Sexyama” (14-6, 2 no-contests) hasn’t competed since a decision loss to Alberto Mina in the UFC in 2015, parting ways with the North American promotion after winning in only two of his seven Octagon appearances.
Akiyama, who signed with the UFC in 2010 after going unbeaten for 14 bouts under the K-1 and Dream banners, holds UFC wins over Amir Sadollah and Alan Belcher, having lost to Chris Leben, Michael Bisping, Vitor Belfort and Jake Shields.