Yoshihiro Akiyama is now set to fight Jake Shields in a welterweight bout at UFC 144 according to ufc.com.

"Verbal agreements are in for a welterweight matchup in Tokyo, Japan between former Strikeforce champion Jake Shields and Asian superstar ‘Sexyama' Yoshihiro Akiyama February 26th," said Dana White, UFC president.

Akiyama (13-4 (2 no contest)) will look to have a fresh start as he drops down to the welterweight division. Akiyama arrived to the UFC's middleweight division as one of Japan's top prospects. Despite a successful split decision debut against Alan Belcher at UFC 100, Akiyama would drop three of his following bouts. Most recently he was knocked out by Vitor Belfort at UFC 133.

For Akiyama, snapping his three fight losing streak against the former the Strikeforce middleweight champion in Shields (26-6-1) is no easy task. Shields is currently on a two fight skid, losing to Jake Ellenberger and George St. Pierre, after having a 15 fight unbeaten streak prior to the losses.

Matchup wise, both men possess a solid ground game. Shields has notched 10 submission wins which includes submitting MMA notables in Robbie Lawler and Paul Daley. Akiyama is a black belt judoka and it remains to be seen whether or not he will utilize more of his judo in this bout with Shields since he has shown a preference to stand and trade in his previous UFC bouts.

UFC 144 is scheduled on February 26, 2012 at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan. Currently Shields and Akiyama are set for a welterweight bout complementing the Frankie Edgar vs. Ben Henderson lightweight title bout.