Interviews
UFC QUOTABLES: Alan Belcher wants to "make a statement" in fight with Akiyama
By By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief
Jul 2, 2009 - 8:58:49 AM

"I know my advantages, but I think they're kind of slim, and I'm going to have to work hard and especially to win the way I want to. I want to make a statement...I'm getting offensive with my jiu-jitsu...The Kang fight was probably the first time that I felt comfortable in attacking and not trying to stand up, so it gave me a lot of confidence to know where I'm at on the ground...I still don't think I've hit my full potential, and I think this could be my breakthrough fight...I'm definitely not going down as someone's stepping stone."

-Alan "The Talent" Belcher talks to MMAWeekly.com about his upcoming bout with Yoshihiro Akiyama and the opportunity he has to break out.

Penick's Analysis: Belcher for sure can't be counted out of this bout, and as it's likely the opening bout for the pay-per-view the two of them should set a great tone for the rest of the night. Belcher is sounding very confident in what he's bringing to the table in this fight while smartly not going overboard with it. Every fighter in their head believes they can go out and win every fight, though some of them trick their brains into believing that's the case. Belcher simply seems ready, and that should make for a great bout with Akiyama because of it.

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