It is now well documented how Akiyama was caught by “Greasing” his skin with moisturiser before his fight with Kazushi Sakuraba at K-1: Premium Dynamite 2006.

Akiyama held his hands up to the accusations and FEG, with hearty backing from the majority of Japanese fans, barred him from all future events.

However since viewing figured have dropped by nearly a quarter, FEG are reportedly considering all options for getting the audience back on side.