Shinya Aoki — who sustained injuries during his recent unanimous decision win over Gesias “J.Z.” Calvancante — will remain in the DREAM 2008 Lightweight Grand Prix and fight Katsuhiko Nagata in the second round of the tournament.

However, the 154-pound tilt will take place at DREAM 4 on June 15 and not on May 11 at DREAM 3 along with the other match ups.

Calvancante was actually approached about advancing to the next round as a replacement for Aoki, but several published reports indicate that the American Top Team-trained fighter and promotion officials could not strike a deal.

With less than a week until showtime, it appears that DREAM opted instead to give Aoki time to heal from his injuries rather than plug-in another competitor.

In fact, Aoki was at a disadvantage because of the timing of his rematch with Calvancante — their first encounter at DREAM 1 in March ended in a no contest because of illegal strikes.

And he took some serious punishment in the first round … so much so that the bout appeared to be almost over. He weathered the storm, however, and went on to demonstrate the amazing Brazilian jiu-jitsu skills that have put him atop the world rankings in his category.

DREAM 3 will air on the HDNet Network LIVE from the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan, at 3 a.m. ET. In addition to the quarterfinal lightweight tournament bouts, the event will also feature popular American fighters Nick Diaz and Jason “Mayhem” Miller (in separate bouts).

In addition to the Aoki-Nagata fight, DREAM 4 will showcase the second round of the 2008 middleweight tournament, as well as the heavyweight showdown between Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic’s and Jerome LeBanner.