Caol Uno Announced for UFC 99

I have been without a computer for a few days, so this might be old news. It has also been rumored for a while, but Caol Uno is making a return to the UFC in June.

UFC 99 is taking place in Germany, that is the first UFC event to take place there (to my knowledge).

Caol Uno did well in the DREAM GP last year, but lost out to Shinya Aoki in a fight he was mostly on the defensive. The fight before that he showed how good he is by submitting Mitsuhiro Ishida, something that was never done before.

Caol Uno makes his return against Spencer Fisher.

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7/21 DREAM 5 - RESULTS

We now have the first DREAM champion! His name is Joachim Hansen! It was a day of very good fights in Osaka Jo Hall, and I have just gotten home.

Eddie Alvarez was not allowed to fight in the final (by DREAM Doctors), after a very tough semi-final against Kawajiri. Hellboy had to step up and fill the open spot in the final and face Aoki. It is never ideal to have a late replacement like that, but thats why the reserve fights are so important. In the final Hansen did not want to grapple with Aoki, but it is very hard to on your feet against him. The fight went to the ground and Hellboy dropped some bombs that were too much for Aoki.

Hansen has been an excellent performer for DREAM, and his fight with Alvares was awesome. Alvarez extended a challenge to the new champion and Hellboy was happy to except.

I will post some pictures soon, but now for the results:

Main-Event - DREAM Lightweight Tournament Final:
Joachim Hansen Def. Shinya Aoki by TKO Round 1 4:19

Alistair Overeem Def. Mark Hunt by Keylock Round 1 1:11
Yoshihiro Akiyama Def. Katsuyori Shibata by Gi choke Round 1 6:34
Hideo Tokoro Def. Takeshi Yamazaki by Decision 3-0
Kuniyoshi Hironaka Def. Motoki Miyazawa by TKO Round 1 8:57
Joseph Benavitez Def. Junya Kudo by Guillotine Choke Round 1 2:42
Joachim Hansen Def. Kultar Gill by Armbar Round 1 2:33
Eddie Alvarez Def. Tatsuya Kawajiri by TKO Round 1 7:35
Shinya Aoki Def. Caol Uno by Decision 3-0
Daisuke Nakamura Def. Andy Ologun by Armbar Round 1 3:41

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7/21 DREAM 5 - Hunt's Opponent annouced

From HDNet's site, it looks like Hunt's oppnent is Alisair Overeem.
http://www.hdnetfights.com/story.php?id=230

I have not seen a Japanese source for this yet, but looks like that's the fight missing on the card. Should be a good fight, Overeem coming off a victory in DREAM 4, and Hunt returning to the MMA ring.

RougueMag.com has an interview with Hunt before his flight out to Japan. He among other things, he says that in the original contract there was a fight with Fedor this year. Let's see if it happens.

Either way, Monday is the big event and I am heading down to Osaka tomorrow.

***UPDATE***
I am seeing this fight confirmed in Japanese media as well now, Hunt vs. Overeem is on!

Also, looks like they are still looking for an opponent to face Joseph Benavidez, lets hope they find someone.


Lightweight Tournament Final (winners of Semi-Finals)

Lightweight semi-finals:
Eddie Alvarez 14-1-0 vs. 22-4-2 Tatsuya Kawajiri
Shinya Aoki 16-2-0 vs. 25-10-4 Caol Uno

Tournament Reserve Fight:
Joachim "Hellboy" Hansen 17-7-1 vs. 9-7-0 Kultar "Black Mamba" Gill

Non-tournament:
Yoshihiro Akiyama 10-1-0 vs. 2-4-0 Katsuyori Shibata
Motoki Miyazawa 4-0-0 vs. 11-5-0 Kuniyoshi Hironaka
Hideo Tokoro 23-13-1 vs. 14-7-2 Takeshi Yamazaki
Mark Hunt 5-3-0 vs. 27-11-0 Alistair Overeem

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7/21 DREAM 5 - "Kid" Out!!!

"Kid" Yamamoto injured his knee during training and is out of his DREAM 5 fight!!!

Can News get worse?!?!?!? Guess they REALLY need an opponent for Mark Hunt now....

Let's just hope Tokoro is ok!

Lightweight Tournament Final (winners of Semi-Finals)

Lightweight semi-finals:
Eddie Alvarez 14-1-0 vs. 22-4-2 Tatsuya Kawajiri
Shinya Aoki 16-2-0 vs. 25-10-4 Caol Uno

Tournament Reserve Fight:
Joachim "Hellboy" Hansen 17-7-1 vs. 9-7-0 Kultar "Black Mamba" Gill

Non-tournament:
Yoshihiro Akiyama 10-1-0 vs. 2-4-0 Katsuyori Shibata
Motoki Miyazawa 4-0-0 vs. 11-5-0 Kuniyoshi Hironaka
Hideo Tokoro 23-13-1 vs. 14-7-2 Takeshi Yamazaki

Participating:
Mark Hunt 5-3-0

http://nightmareofbattle.wordpress.com/2008/07/17/final-preparations-getting-ready-for-the-fifth-dream/
http://sportsnavi.yahoo.co.jp/fight/other/headlines/etc/20080718-00000030-spnavi-fight.html

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7/21 DREAM 5 - Hideo Tokoro Not able to Fight???

Hideo Tokoro was in a traffic accident on Wednesday afternoon. He was rear-ended but it does not sound too serious. However, he will have a medical check and it will be announced today or tomorrow whether he will be able to fight.

This could turn out to be a big blow to DREAM 5, there are 8 fights confirmed on th the card with Mark Hunt still being without an opponent. Lets hope they dont make Yamazaki fight Hunt...

http://www.kamipro.com/news/?id=1216270381
http://d.hatena.ne.jp/gryphonjapan/20080718/p2

The card:

Lightweight Tournament Final (winners of Semi-Finals)

Lightweight semi-finals:
Eddie Alvarez 14-1-0 vs. 22-4-2 Tatsuya Kawajiri
Shinya Aoki 16-2-0 vs. 25-10-4 Caol Uno

Tournament Reserve Fight:
Joachim "Hellboy" Hansen 17-7-1 vs. 9-7-0 Kultar "Black Mamba" Gill

Non-tournament:
Norifumi "Kid" Yamamoto 17-1-0 vs. 7-0-0 Joseph Benavidez
Yoshihiro Akiyama 10-1-0 vs. 2-4-0 Katsuyori Shibata
Motoki Miyazawa 4-0-0 vs. 11-5-0 Kuniyoshi Hironaka
Hideo Tokoro 23-13-1 vs. 14-7-2 Takeshi Yamazaki

Participating:
Mark Hunt 5-3-0

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7/21 DREAM 5 - Hideo Tokoro Fighting!

DREAM have announced an additional fight for DREAM 5 today. Returning after an awesome fight in DREAM 4 is Hideo Tokoro! His fight with Darren Uyenoyama was one of the most exciting fights this year. This time he is taking on Takeshi Yamazaki. The Grabaka fighter is no stranger to DREAM, havning fought in DREAM 3 were he took on Pancrase champion Shoji Maruyama. In his last 9 fights, Yamazaki has lost only twice, to Miki Shida and Masakazu Imanari.

This will be a very exciting fight!

Hideo Tokoro 23-13-1 vs. 14-7-2 Takeshi Yamazaki

Priviously announced:
Lightweight Tournament Final (winners of Semi-Finals)

Lightweight semi-finals:
Eddie Alvarez 14-1-0 vs. 22-4-2 Tatsuya Kawajiri
Shinya Aoki 16-2-0 vs. 25-10-4 Caol Uno

Tournament Reserve Fight:
Joachim "Hellboy" Hansen 17-7-1 vs. 9-7-0 Kultar "Black Mamba" Gill

Non-tournament:
Norifumi "Kid" Yamamoto 17-1-0 vs. 7-0-0 Joseph Benavidez
Yoshihiro Akiyama 10-1-0 vs. 2-4-0 Katsuyori Shibata
Motoki Miyazawa 4-0-0 vs. 11-5-0 Kuniyoshi Hironaka

Participating:
Mark Hunt 5-3-0

From DEEP 24, Takeshi Yamazaki vs. Hirotaka Miyakawa




DREAM 3: Hideo Tokoro vs. Darren Uyenoyama

Hideo Tokoro vs. Darren Uyenoyama - Dream.4 MW GP 2008
Uploaded by moltisanti87

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7/21 DREAM 5 - Finally Some Fights Announced!

I have been waiting for this for a very long time! Finally, DREAM have confirmed that Joachim Hansen is fighting in the tournament reserve fight. His opponent will be Kultar Gill, who I thought was impressive despite the loss to Kawajiri in the opening round.

Just an interesting note, Minowa is moved from this card to the DEEP Gladiators card. To me it seems that DEEP and Dream is building the same/similar sort of relationship that Pride and DEEP used to have. It will be very interesting to see how the DEEP cards will look going forward.

That gives us this card:
Lightweight semi-finals:
Eddie Alvarez 14-1-0 vs. 22-4-2 Tatsuya Kawajiri
Shinya Aoki 16-2-0 vs. 25-10-4 Caol Uno

Tournament Reserve Fight:
Joachim "Hellboy" Hansen 17-7-1 vs. 9-7-0 Kultar "Black Mamba" Gill

Non-tournament:
Norifumi "Kid" Yamamoto 17-1-0 vs. 7-0-0 Joseph Benavidez
Yoshihiro Akiyama 10-1-0 vs. 2-4-0 Katsuyori Shibata
Motoki Miyazawa 4-0-0 vs. 11-5-0 Kuniyoshi Hironaka

Participating:
-Mark Hunt 5-3-0

***Update***
I know some of you noticed that I managed to spell Mark Hunt's name wrong, again! Thanks to Five Ounce of Pain I caught this in the office and had to wait all day to make the correction. It is not on purpose and there is no excuse...

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7/21 DREAM 5 - Another Participant Announced

SportsNavi has in an article added Japanese Pro-Wrestler Katsuyori Shibata. He is a guy that really needs a win, will be interesting to see who they pair him up with.

I expect there will be further announcements around this card in the coming days as the Fight Fesitval draws to a close

Participant added:
Katsuyori Shibata 2-4-0

Already confirmed:
Lightweight Final: Winners of Semi-Finals

Lightweight semi-finals:
Eddie Alvarez 14-1-0 vs. 22-4-2 Tatsuya Kawajiri
Shinya Aoki 16-2-0 vs. 25-10-4 Caol Uno

Non-tournament:
Norifumi "Kid" Yamamoto 17-1-0 vs. 7-0-0 Joseph Benavidez

Other participants (previously announced):
-Mark Hunt 5-3-0
-Joachim Hansen 17-7-1
-Mirko CroCop 23-6-2
-Minowaman 39-28-8
-Yoshihiro Akiyama 10-1-0 (1NC)
-Denis Kang 29-10-1 (rumored)

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7/21 DREAM 5 - Mark Hunt is back?!?!

As some of you will notice, and NoB has done as well, the graphics on the left side (the DREAM 5 graphic) has announced some new participants in this event! Who are they?

None other than:
-Mark Munt 5-3-0
-Joachim Hansen 17-7-1
-Mirko CroCop 23-6-2
-Minowaman 39-28-8

Other participants (previously announced):
-Yoshihiro Akiyama 10-1-0 (1NC)
-Denis Kang 29-10-1 (rumored)

This card is really taking shape!

I have a feeling Joachim might be in a reserve fight, but lets wait and see. For me, I am thinking this is enough to buy my ticket!

Already confirmed:
Lightweight semi-finals:
Eddie Alvarez 14-1-0 vs. 22-4-2 Tatsuya Kawajiri
Shinya Aoki 16-2-0 vs. 25-10-4 Caol Uno

Non-tournament:
Norifumi "Kid" Yamamoto 17-1-0 vs. 7-0-0 Joseph Benavidez

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7/21 DREAM 5 - Semi-Finals Deceided

DREAM drew teh semi-final match-ups during the event today. DREAM 4 turned out to be an awesome event, and DREAM 5 promises to further improve on that.

The semi-finals:
Eddie Alvarez 14-1-0 vs. 22-4-2 Tatsuya Kawajiri
Shinya Aoki 16-2-0 vs. 25-10-4 Caol Uno

Also on the card:
Norifumi "Kid" Yamamoto 17-1-0 vs. 7-0-0 Joseph Benavidez

Participating:
Yoshihiro Akiyama 10-1-0 (1NC)
Denis Kang 29-10-1

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5/11 DREAM 3 - RESULTS

Just came back from an amazing event!! This was really a level up from the two first DREAM events. I am really disappointed that Joachim lost, but it was a great fight and both fighters had their chances. I dont think any of them should be disappointed with their efforts.

Caol Uno pulled of the upset of the night and got a very good victory over Ishida. Disappointment of the night was Kawajiri acting like a spoiled brat after Uno's victory.

BTW, Nick Diaz and Jason Miller were very good and entertaining in their fights! This was a very good event!

Lightweight Tournament Round 2:
8. Caol Uno Def. Mitsuhiro Ishida by rear-naked choke Round 2, 1:39
7. Eddie Alvarez Def. Joachim Hansen by decision 3-0
6. Tatsuya Kawajiri Def. Luiz “Buscape” Firmino by decision 3-0

Welterweight Champion Eliminator:
5. Nick Diaz Def. Katsuya Inoue by TKO (towel thrown) Round 1 6:47

Non-Tournament Fight:
4. Daisuke Nakamura Def. Jung Bukyung Round 2 1:15

Middleweight Tournament Reserve Fight:
3. Melvin Manhoef Def. Kim Dae Won by TKO (Knees and punches) Round 1 4:08

Middleweight Tournament Round 1:
2. Jason Miller Def. Katsuyori Shibata by TKO (punches) Round 1 6:07 dedicated his fight to Kato-san and his family.

Non-Tournament Fight:
1. Takeshi Yamazaki Def. Shoji Maruyama by decsion 3-0

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5/11 DREAM 3 - Fight order

Finally DREAM has annouced the fight order for tomorrow. I cant wait for this one, this is the best DREAM card yet.

Main event:
Lightweight Tournament Round 2:
8. Caol Uno 24-10-4 vs. 16-3-1 Mitsuhiro Ishida
7. Joachim Hansen 17-6-1 vs. 13-1-0 Eddie Alvarez
6. Tatsuya Kawajiri 21-4-2 vs. 12-3-0 Luiz “Buscape” Firmino

Welterweight Champion Eliminator:
5. Nick Diaz 15-7-0 vs. 16-5-3 Katsuya Inoue

Non-Tournament Fight:
4. Jung Bukyung 0-2-0 vs. 13-9-0 Daisuke Nakamura

Middleweight Tournament Reserve Fight:
3. Melvin Manhoef 20-4-1 vs. Kim Dae Won

Middleweight Tournament Round 1:
2. Jason Miller 20-5-0 vs. 2-3-0 Katsuyori Shibata

Non-Tournament Fight:
1. Takeshi Yamazaki 13-7-2 vs. 6-2-1 Shoji Maruyama

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5/11 DREAM 3 - Card Complete (?)

It looks as though the DREAM 3 card it complete, still a small question mark over Nick Diaz but it looks as though he is fighting too. There is a lot to look forward to on this card! I am planning a preview of all the fights tomorrow, hopfully I can finish it. Either way, the last fighter added to the card is Pancrase title holder, Shoji.

Shoji is a fighter with lots of talent, but he is yet to fight on this level. His biggest win to date was his KO win over Artur Oumakhanov in January, that victory earned him the Pancrase title. He should have a good battle against the veteran Takeshi Yamazaki.

Added:
Takeshi Yamazaki 13-7-2 vs. 6-2-1 Shoji Maruyama

The complete card:
Lightweight Tournament Round 2:
Caol Uno 24-10-4 vs. 16-3-1 Mitsuhiro Ishida
Tatsuya Kawajiri 21-4-2 vs. 12-3-0 Luiz “Buscape” Firmino
Joachim Hansen 17-6-1 vs. 13-1-0 Eddie Alvarez

Welterweight Champion Eliminator:
Nick Diaz 15-7-0 vs. 16-5-3 Katsuya Inoue

Middleweight Tournament Round 1:
Jason Miller 20-5-0 vs. 2-3-0 Katsuyori Shibata

Middleweight Tournament Reserve Fight:
Melvin Manhoef 20-4-1 vs. Kim Dae Won

Non-Tournament Fights:
Jung Bukyung 0-2-0 vs. 13-9-0 Daisuke Nakamura
Takeshi Yamazaki 13-7-2 vs. 6-2-1 Shoji Maruyama

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DREAM 2 and 3 Fights Announced

DREAM has made their decision regarding the outcome of the controversial JZ vs. Aoki fight. There will be a re-match in DREAM 2. The winner of this will get to fight 2 less than 2 weeks later in the quarter final. Sounds unfair? Well, the opponent will be Nagata, who is the weakest link in my opinion.

So, announced today:

DREAM 2:
Shinya Aoki 12-2-0 vs. 14-1-1 Gesias "J.Z." Calvancante


DREAM 3:
The DREAM Lightweight Quarter-Finals were also announced, and the winners of the 2 best fights (Joachim Hansen and Eddie Alvarez) in the first round will face off against each other.

The Quarter Finals:
Tatsuya Kawajiri 21-4-2 vs. 12-3-0 Luiz Firmino "Buscape"
Winner Aoki/JZ vs. 4-2-0 Katsuhiko Nagata
Joachim Hansen 17-6-1 vs. 13-1-0 Eddie Alvarez
Mitsuhiro Ishida 15-3-1 vs. 24-10-4 Caol Uno

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DREAM - What about Caol Uno?

Caol Uno has been rumored to have broken with FEG after they teamed up with DSE. This seems to be wrong. Caol has spoken today and said the reason he is not competing this time is the broken jaw he suffered in his last fight against "Dida". He would like to join the tournament from the next round (May 11), if possible. As we know, there is one spot open. Is this for Caol?

I this gives the DREAM promoters an option with the last fighter to go through to the next round. I always had a feeling that it would go to the loser of the JZ vs. Aoki fight, but now they have Uno as well.

Source:
http://www.gbring.com/sokuho/news/2008_03/0314_dream_02.htm

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3/15 DREAM Fights Announced

DREAM has announced 3 more fights in their Lightweight GP. In addition to that, it is rumored that there will be a 10 minute first round.

As expected few of the big stars are facing eachother in the first round (with the exception of JZ vs. Aoki). However, there are no easy fights in this tournament and the way it is set up will lead to either big upsets or extremely interesting 2nd round.

Tatsuya Kawajiri 20-4-2 vs. 9-6-0 Kultar “Black Mamba” Gil
Kazuyuki Miyata 5-6-0 vs. 11-3-0 Luiz Firmino "Buscape"
Koutetsu Boku 13-4-1 vs. 16-6-1 Joachim Hansen

Previously Announced:
Shinya Aoki 12-2-0 vs. 14-1-1 Gesias "J.Z." Calvancante

Also Participating:
Andre "Dida" Amade 6-2-1
Mitsuhiro Ishida 15-3-1
Caol Uno 24-10-4
Gilbert Melendez 13-1-0
Bu Kyung Jung 0-1-0
Artur Oumakhanov 7-2-0
+2 fighters yet to be named

Sources:
http://www.dreamofficial.com/fightcard/
http://nightmareofbattle.wordpress.com/2008/02/26/fights-announced-10-minute-first-round/

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DREAM is Born - FEG and Yarennoka (DSE) unite

FEG/Pride/Yarennoka event announced! The First event Dream 1 is to be held3.15 Part of this event will be a Lightweight GP.

Our friends at Nightmare of Battle were first with the news, and have presented this list of participants.
One fight is announced, and I cant believe they are putting this in round 1.

Fights:
Shinya Aoki 12-2-0 vs. 14-1-1 Gesias "J.Z." Calvancante

Participants:
Shinya Aoki 12-2-0
Gesias "J.Z." Calvancante 14-1-1
Andre "Dida" Amade 6-2-1
Mitsuhiro Ishida 15-3-1
Tatsuya Kawajiri 20-4-2
Caol Uno 24-10-4
Joachim Hansen 16-6-1
Gilbert Melendez 13-1-0
Artur Oumakhanov 7-2-0
Koutetsu Boku 13-4-1
Bu Kyung Jung 0-1-0
Kazuyuki Miyata 5-6-0
Luiz Firmino "Buscape" 11-3-0
+another 3 (!) fighters (16 man tournament)

This is one event I will not miss. The only question is really, will Crocop participate? He was at the press conference. In my eyes, this is the start of some very exciting things in Japanese MMA!

++UPDATE++
It is confirmed that Crocop will fight in this event, the opponent is yet to be determined.

There will also be a Middleweight GP, the fighters for this will be announced at a later stage, but there is the schedule for DREAM in 2008

Dream .1 - March 15 - Saitama Superarena - Lightweight GP Round 1
Dream .2 - April 29 - Saitama Superarena - Middleweight GP Round 1
Dream .3 - May 11 - Saitama Superarena - Lightweight GP Round 2
Dream .4 - Begining of June - Korea or Yokohama Arena - Middleweight GP Round 2
Dream .5 - July 21 - Osaka Jo-Hall - Lightweight GP Finals
Dream .6 - Begining of Sept. - Saitama Superarena- Middleweight GP Finals

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