• UFC 120

Akiyama fought Leben at '20 percent' of his full ability

Chris Leben and Yoshihiro Akiyama produced one of the fights of the year at UFC 116 © UFC

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Yoshihiro Akiyama has sent a warning to Michael Bisping just eight days before their UFC 120 bout, insisting he fought Chris Leben at only 20 percent of his maximum.

Akiyama takes on Bisping in the main event at London's O2 Arena, in a middleweight contest that will severely stall the progress of the man who loses the fight.

Both men have suffered a defeat in their last two fights, Bisping's coming against Wanderlei Silva and Akiyama's against Chris Leben. The defeat to Leben has some significance given that Bisping comfortably beat The Crippler back in 2008, while Akiyama came out of the loss with mixed reviews.

The Judo specialist arguably came closer than any of Leben's nine previous opponents to stopping him, but he also absorbed far more punishment than Bisping received. Akiyama claims the loss to Leben, which came via submission, was largely down to the fact that the American was a late replacement for Wanderlei Silva, and he insists MMA fans did not see anything like the real thing.

Speaking on behalf of Akiyama, the Japanese fighter's translator said: "Speaking in percentage, he feels like [the late change of opponent] affected 80 percent out of 100 percent, in the way he fought. And he feels like he fought with the last 20 percent that he had in him."

Elaborating on his recent move to Greg Jackson's gym, Akiyama went on to hint that Bisping may have to fight a ground war come October 16.

"He was able to learn the intricate skills of the takedowns, as well as better striking for MMA," revealed the translator. "And, most of all, he was able to learn how to deliver a good three rounds of fight in the cage."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.