Coming into this fight UFC Middleweight Alan Belcher knows this is another huge test for him against a top-flight opponent in Yoshihiro Akiyama. Akiyama has fought primarily in Japan his whole career. He signed with the UFC earlier this year and will be making his UFC debut at 100. “A win against him will get me closer to becoming a top five guy and a shot at the title,” says a confident Belcher. Training with top guys like UFC heavyweight prospect Pat Barry has made him feel like he will have no problem with Akiyama. “When it comes to standing, I have a lot of range that is going to be difficult for him to deal with. I do not think he is going to give me any trouble on the feet. I am ready for him to come out and try to take me down,” he states.

            While some have characterized his career (5-3) in the UFC as a roller coaster, filled with ups and downs, Belcher feels he can attribute that to being young and a lack of leadership. “I shouldn’t have had so many losses in the beginning of my UFC career,” he says. “But now I am mentally and physically stronger than I was three years ago. I feel like I am coming up on the best years of my career right now.” A win over another popular fighter from overseas will finally show the fans that he is not Mr. Inconsistent. Rather, he is ready to fulfill the promise of becoming the “Next Big Thing.” “I know fans and friends have high expectations for me. I feel I am ready now to be that fighter.”

            He also wants to get rid of his nickname “The Talent,” citing it is more about hard work. “An old coach gave me that nickname. I have never thought my success in this sport has been about talent. It has been about my willingness to put in hard work in the gym.”

            Being on a historic card as UFC 100 also garners a lot of attention, which he feels will be a good thing. “I feel like it’s a compliment that the UFC decided to put me on this card. I will hopefully be able to garner more fans and good publicity.” A win would put him on the track for a title shot against the UFC Middleweight champion Anderson Silva. He feels like he can outwork in one of the champions strongest attributes: the clinch. “I am more advanced in the clinch than most of the fighters in the UFC. I know how to handle a fast and slick boxer like Silva. Right now, I feel I can beat anyone in the UFC.” 

            Whether the future holds a title shot, he knows that he does not want to fight forever. Eventually, he would like to settle down and coach fighters at his gym, Remix MMA.

            With a newfound confidence and plenty of hard work, Belcher is ready to face off and beat another international star July 11^th.