The Japanese-based DREAM mixed martial arts promotion recently announced three more bouts for its upcoming middleweight grand prix tournament slated for the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan, on April 29.
Fan favorites Denis Kang (29-9-1) and Kazushi Sakuraba (23-10-1) will take part in the competition albeit with separate opening-round opponents.
Kang — who is coming off a knockout loss to Yoshihiro Akiyama — will look to redeem himself as he goes up against Gerald Mousasi (20-2-1). Sakauraba, on the other hand, is riding a two-fight win streak after defeating Masakatsu Funaki (38-12-1) by armbar at K-1 Dynamite last New Year’s Eve. He will take on Andrews Nakahara in the first round of the tournament.
In addition, a fight between Kioyshi Tamura and Masakatsu Funaki has been booked for the second-ever DREAM show next month.
Here’s how the first round of the event currently shapes up:
Kazushi Sakauraba (23-10-1) vs. Andrews Nakahara (0-0-0)
Denis Kang (29-9-1) vs. Gerald Mousasi (20-2-1)
Kiyoshi Tamura (28-14-0) vs. Masakatsu Funaki (38-12-1)
Yoon Dong Sik vs. TBA
Yoshihiro Akiyama vs. TBA
Shungo Oyama vs. TBA
Kin Taiei vs. TBA
Minowaman vs. TBA
Dae Won Kim*
Mamed Khalidov*
Daniel Acacio*
Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza*
*Rumored participants
The DREAM 2008 Middleweight Grand Prix is shaping up to be a competitive event. It’s going to be a great first round. Stay tuned for more details.
16 Comments »
Is there still no way to watch on TV in the states?
so is dream gonna be the new pride or world victory. i thought world victory had signed barnett and gomi. it seems like it changes day to day. i think both org need to establish their own identity and def need to try and make their prescence felt in the u.s. if they ever wanna make a good go of it.
[quote comment=”390979″]Is there still no way to watch on TV in the states?[/quote]
I’d expect something from HDNet soon. That’s the rumor (fingers crossed).
[quote comment=”391012″][quote comment=”390979″]Is there still no way to watch on TV in the states?[/quote]
I’d expect something from HDNet soon. That’s the rumor (fingers crossed).[/quote]
Sweet!
[quote comment=”391012″][quote comment=”390979″]Is there still no way to watch on TV in the states?[/quote]
I’d expect something from HDNet soon. That’s the rumor (fingers crossed).[/quote]
I too heard that HDNet is close to hammering out a deal to air DREAM. Its supposed to be done in time to air DREAM’s 2nd event.
Fingers crossed is right!
Would be very nice to get to see some of these bouts. Ever so slowly the talent pool is spreading and more people are putting on better shows. With most the companies willing to cooperate and the potential exodus from the UFC Heavy division this could quickly become a good year for excellent high profile fights. SWEET!!!
Mania…PROPS for all the DREAM coverage. I really appreciate it! Thats exactly why I have a crush on you! lol XOXOXOXO
by the way, What r u wearing right now? LMFAO!
Those 2 guys look like actors out of a bad karate movie.
[quote comment=”391304″]Those 2 guys look like actors out of a bad karate movie.[/quote]
Those 2 are LEGENDS of the sport!
Sakuraba is the only non-UFC fighter that I have actually heard Dana White talk good about. White loves Sakuraba!
I’m still waiting to see a card with Suzuki, Kawasaki and Toyoto on.
They are the only names I recognise lol.
Maybe once you guys get coverage, us UK guys will get it 5 years later.
Toyoto??????? Duh!!! Toyota
I hope jacare will take part. Really interested in seeing if hes stepped up his mma!
A Denis Kang fight, yay! Was hoping for Zelg to make an appearance in DREAM, doesn’t look like it will happen so far.
don’t know any of these guys except Sakuraba… anybody out there know who to look out for & why?