Ukyou 
 is the closest to Princess Leia, not Akane.  The casting was done to 
 ensure the story would stand on it's own, as well as being a blend of 
 the two mythos.

What?  I picture Ukyou is way closer to Lando.  

Solo and Lando are 'best' friends
Ranma and Ukyou are 'best' friends

Both shared the same occupation
Ukyou and Ranma: martial artists
Solo and Lando: Smuggling

Both owned the same vehicle
Ukyou and Ranma: The Okonomiyaki Yatai
Lando and Solo   : The Millenium Falcon