Yoshihiro Akiyama wants more challenges, so the Japanese MMA superstar signed with the UFC and he will make his U.S. debut against Alan Belcher at UFC 100 on July 11 at Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

Akiyama was a decorated judoka before he made the move to MMA in 2004. Akiyama, a 2006 K-1 HERO's light-heavyweight tournament champion, has compiled a record of 12-1 with five TKOs and seven submission victories. Among his notable victories are a one-punch kayo of Denis Kang and an armbar-submission victory over Melvin Manhoef. He also has two no-contests.

Akiyama, who is better known as "Sexyama" to his devoted cult-like following, makes his ring entrance to the song "Time to Say Goodbye," a ballad by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman.

"I really like the song personally," Akiyama told Sergio Non of USA Today. "A lot of the fighters in the UFC usually choose more aggressive music, whether it's rock or rap, but I want to create an atmosphere in the venue that's a little more calming as I enter the ring."

Here is one of Akiyama's dramatic ring entrances:

Here are some of Akiyama's highlights:

Here is one of the many "Sexyama" slide show tributes  you can find on YouTube:

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• UFC 100 preview

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• Lesnar isn’t looking for respect
• UFC 100: GSP vs. Alves

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