Mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Hitomi Akano joined the professional MMA circuit in May of 2003.BoutReviewUSA: Interview: Hitomi Akano As of mid-April of 2009, Akano had a record of 14 wins and six losses. Sherdog: Fightfinder: Hitomi Akano In an April 11, 2009 Strikeforce fight against Cristiane "Cyborg" Santos in San Jose, Akano was defeated by TKO in three rounds.MMA FanHouse: Bigger, Stronger Cris Cyborg TKOs Out-Matched Hitomi Akano (January 12, 2009)

Akano was scheduled to fight Cristiane Cyborg Santos on April 11, 2009. During the pre-fight weigh-in, Santos' weight was recorded as 158 pounds, 13 pounds over the contracted weight of 145 pounds and more than 20 pounds over Akano's fight weight of 135 pounds. Akano then pulled out of the fight, but after several hours of negotiations with the promotion company, Akano agreed to go ahead with the fight.Sherdog: Update: Akano-Cyborg Back On (April 11, 2009) Santos defeated Akano by TKO in the third round of the fight.MMA FanHouse: Bigger, Stronger Cris Cyborg TKOs Out-Matched Hitomi Akano (January 12, 2009)