10/25 DREAM 12 - RESULTS

The event in the "White Cage" is underway, and I will be giving you the results live here.

It will be an interesting event, personally, I am looking forward to seeing DEEP champion against Eddie Alvarez but there are lots of fights to look forward to here!

1. Feather: Keisuke Fujiwara 7-1-3 vs. 12-5-6 Tomoya Miyashita
Miyashita has been controling the fight so far, getting it to the ground. Fujiwara so far been unable to pose much of an offence. Round 3 is closer, Fujiwara close with a triangle attempt.

Miyashita gets the decision 3-0

2. Light: "Parky" Won Sik Park 7-1-1 vs. 15-6-0 Kuniyoshi Hironaka
"Parky" controling the distance in round 1. Has Hironaka damaged, but no real danger.

"Parky" throws in the towel in the break. Looks like an eye injury. Hironaka gets the TKO win!

3. Feather: Yoshiro Maeda 25-7-2 vs. 12-5-0 Chase Beebe
Maeda comes out hard, Beebe is backing up and then gets the fight to the ground. Maeda is able to get up. Maeda takes Beebe down and comes out on top. Maeda gets Beebe's back and the rear-naked choke is very tight, Beebe taps.

Maeda rear-naked choke Round 1.

4. Middle: Yoon Dong Sik 4-7-0 vs. 7-1-0 Tarec Saffiedine
Saffedine takes it to the ground of the back of a Dong takedown attempt, on top but the ref stands it up. Dong is not able to take Saffiedine down and it is a very close fight so far.

Saffiedine looks in in control early in round 2, then Dong takes it down and is on top. Dong controls the fight and gets the back, Saffiedine does well to survive the round.

The final round is all standing, Dong unable to take it to the ground. Saffiedine is the better fighter standing, and it will be a close decision.

Yoon Dong Sik gets the decision 2-1! The domination on the ground is round 2 was enough.

5. Middle: Katsuyori Shibata 3-6-1 vs. 1-4-1 Tokimitsu Ishizawa
Fight of the pro-wrestlers.

Ishizawa in trouble early, as Shibata gets a few uppercuts through his guard. Both these fighters are giving it their all, but it looks like Shibata is in control. Ishizawa wants this to the ground. Shibata hits Ishizawa with a solid left hand, Ishizawa goes down and covers up.

Shibata by KO round 1 (with seconds to go).

Intermission.
In the cage to promote Dynamite:
Tatsuya Kawajiri
Hideo Tokoro
Shinya Aoki

6. Middle: Kazushi Sakuraba 25-12-1 vs. 9-4-0 Zelg Galesic
Sakuraba takes it down and goes for a leg lock. Galesic is managing to resist and is pounding Sakuraba hard. It looks like Galesic is going to pound Sakuraba out, but Sakuraba is not letting go of the leg. Finally he gets the leg straightened and the kneebar is tight. Galesic taps very quickly and he looks injured.

Sakuraba by kneebar round 1!

7. Welter: Myeon Ho Bae 8-4-0 vs. 12-3-0 Marius Zaromskis
Zaromskis is a huge favorite here, but I would not underestimate Bae.

Zaromskis came out running, but Bae counters with a right. Zaromskis is stunned and steps back, then comes back with a left high-kick and Bae goes down. Zaromskis is taking Crocop's reputation!

Marius Zaromskis by KO round 1.

8. Light: Katsunori Kikuno 12-1-2 vs. 18-2-0 Eddie Alvarez
As always, Kikuno comes out to "We are the world".

Kikuno is coming out in the traditional Kyokushin stands. Eddie tries a takedown, but Kikuno squashes it and has a neckcrank going. Alvarez gets out, but looks hurt. Eddie not able to take the fight to the ground, Kikuno has a small cut. Kikuno hits with his trademark bodykick just as the bell rings. Alvarez has not been able to get the fight down, and is looking a little tired.

Kikuno goes down from a right, but bounces right up. Alvarez takes it to the ground and attempts a guillotine choke. Alvarez is giving it his all, but Kikuno pops out. They stand up. Both fighters are looking tired and Alvarez takes it down again. Alvarez secures an armtriangle and Kikuno taps. Awesome fight!

Alvarez by armtriangle round 2.

Main-Event:
9. Heavy: Alistair Overeem 30-11-0 vs. 14-10-0 James Thompson
Thompson does a gong and dash, but I think it was a bit more careful than usual. Overeem gets pushed back to the cage, but gets a guilltine choke. It is a standing neck crank or guillotine that that Thompson taps to.

Alistair Overeem by submission Round 1.

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10/25 DREAM 12 - Fight Order

FEG have announced the fight order for DREAM 12, which will take place in the White Cage in Osaka. Personally, I am really looking forward to seeing how that looks and there are some very interesting fights on the card too.

The main event this time goes to the heavyweight battle between Alistair Overeem and James Thompson. Overeem have been looking great lately, and is therefore a huge favorite, but Thompson always gives it a 100% and it will be an entertaining fight.

Personally, I am really looking forward to seeing DEEP champion Katsunori Kikuno take on Eddie Alvarez. I think it is the best matchup of this event, and it should be a very competitive fight.

It is also confirmed that Tarec Saffiedine will step in for Paulo Filho on short notice. No easy fight for Dong and it is another fight to look forward to on this card.

Heavy: Alistair Overeem 30-11-0 vs. 14-10-0 James Thompson
Light: Katsunori Kikuno 12-1-2 vs. 18-2-0 Eddie Alvarez
Welter: Myeon Ho Bae 8-4-0 vs. 12-3-0 Marius Zaromskis
Middle: Kazushi Sakuraba 25-12-1 vs. 9-4-0 Zelg Galesic
Middle: Katsuyori Shibata 3-6-1 vs. 1-4-1 Tokimitsu Ishizawa
Middle: Yoon Dong Sik 4-7-0 vs. 7-1-0 Tarec Saffiedine
Feather: Yoshiro Maeda 25-7-2 vs. 12-5-0 Chase Beebe
Light: "Parky" Won Sik Park 7-1-1 vs. 15-6-0 Kuniyoshi Hironaka
Feather: Keisuke Fujiwara 7-1-3 vs. 12-5-6 Tomoya Miyashita

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10/25 DREAM 12 - James Thompson Added - Filho out!

FEG have today announced the opponent for Alistair Overeem for the this Sundays event in Osaka. James Thompson have been rumored to take the fight, and that has now been confirmed.

Both these fighters are popular with the Japanese crowd, and I think it will be an entertaining fight.

This card has had some setbacks and are missing a few of the fighters that were announced to participate. FEG have had to face some critizism for that, but I think and hope this card delivers.

The card should now be complete, with 9 fights.

Because this card is so close to Sengoku 11, I have added a servey, which card do you think is better? (on the right)

***UPDATE***
Paulo Filho is off the card, no announcement has been made official as to who is replacing him, but the rumor is that it will be Tarec Saffiedine.

Added:
Heavy: Alistair Overeem 30-11-0 vs. James Thompson

The rest of the card:
Light: Katsunori Kikuno 12-1-2 vs. 18-2-0 Eddie Alvarez
Light: "Parky" Won Sik Park 7-1-1 vs. 15-6-0 Kuniyoshi Hironaka
Middle: Yoon Dong Sik 4-7-0 vs. TBA
Feather: Yoshiro Maeda 25-7-2 vs. 12-5-0 Chase Beebe
Feather: Keisuke Fujiwara 7-1-3 vs. 12-5-6 Tomoya Miyashita
Welter: Myeon Ho Bae 8-4-0 vs. 12-3-0 Marius Zaromskis
Middle: Katsuyori Shibata 3-6-1 vs. 1-4-1 Tokimitsu Ishizawa
Middle: Kazushi Sakuraba 25-12-1 vs. 9-4-0 Zelg Galesic

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10/25 DREAM 12 - Fights Announced, Cage Revealed

DREAM 12 will be a big event for FEG, not only have they announced some big names for the card, but it will also be the first FEG event in a cage. DREAM have chosen a 6-sided cage, and you can see a picture here (taken from GBR):



The fights announced today will be very interesting. Eddie Alvarez will be taking on DEEP champion, Katsunri Kikuno in what will be my pick for fight of the night. Kikuno have had a very good 2009 so far, with no losses and wins over Bu Kyung Jung, Koichiro Matsumoto and Andre "Dida".

The other fight announced today will see the newly crowned Cage Force champion, Kuniyoshi Hironaka (does this mean Cage Force will lose another champion?), will take on Korean standout "Parky". "Parky" has also gone 3-0 in DEEP this year, and deserves the step up, I still think Hironaka will be a size too big for him.

Announced:
Eddie Alvarez 18-2-0 vs. 12-1-1 Katsunori Kikuno
Won Sik "Parky" Park 7-1-1 vs. 15-6-0 Kuniyoshi Hironaka

Participants:
Kiyoshi Tamura 33-13-2
Yoshiro Maeda 25-7-2
Andrews Nakahara 2-1-0
Paulo Filho 18-1-0
Alistair Overeem 29-11-0
Marius Zaromskis 12-3-0
Myeon Ho Bae 8-4-0

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10/25 DREAM 12 - Participants Announced

FEG have announced 8 participants for DREAM 12, and with 2 events with only a few weeks between it will be interesting to see if they can fill both cards.

It also is clear that this will be the first time DREAM holds their event in a cage. The shape of the cage has not been made official, but it seems like it will be similar to the Strikeforce cage rather than an octagon.

This event will be in Osaka, and on the card will be fighters such as DEEP champion, Katsunori Kikuno, Japanese legend Kiyoshi Tamura and the very popular Alistair Overeem. Add to that DREAM stars such as Marius Zaromskis and Eddie Alvarez and it is a card with a lot of potential.

Participants:
Kiyoshi Tamura 33-13-2
Katsunori Kikuno 12-1-1
Yoshiro Maeda 25-7-2
Andrews Nakahara 2-1-0
Paulo Filho 18-1-0
Alistair Overeem 29-11-0
Marius Zaromskis 12-3-0
Eddie Alvarez 18-2-0

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12/31 DYNAMITE! - Pictures and Thoughts

It was a very good night of fights, and I think the Japanese crowd left very satisfied. It was strange watching DREAM fighter after DREAM fighter KO K-1 fighters... It was just that sort of night. I knew Overeem was a good kickboxer, but I would not have predicted a KO win for him against Hari.

Kawajiri said in he after-fight speach that is was scary going in to the ring with K-1 rules, and maybe thats why the DREAM fighters did well... Maybe the K-1 fighters felt too comfortable going in...

Personally, the card was missing one fight. I had been looking forward to Hansen vs. JZ for a very long time. Injuries do happen though, it was just unfortunate timing. From what I understand, the injury occured in training just before the event. The doctors would not let Joachim Hansen fight on the day, but I hope he will make a speedy recovery and return!

Minowaman kicked off DREAM 1 and this year he got to kick off Dynamite! as well. His fight was predictable, he took his much bigger opponent down and finished him with a toe-hold. Leg-locks is really proving to be very popular in Japan lately.



He used the only tactic he could, get Zimmerman to the ground and go for a submission. It worked and Minowaman quickly had ahold of a leg. Zimmerman had no choice but to tap.



Next it was time for the K-1 Youth tournament, and I have to say, I am not a fan... From memory, I think the fights last year were better.. It is clear what the FEG is trying to do with this tournament though, it has a feel of the Japanese Highschool Baseball tournament (which is very popular)



After the youth tournament semi's were done, they put on a fight between 2 established K-1 stars. Artur Kyshenko took on Yoshihiro Sato in what was a highly anticipated fight. Kyshenko took a deserved but close decision.



Daisuke Nakamura and Hideo Tokoro put on an awesome display of grappling! I wish this fight continued a bit more... Nakamura needed 2 attempts to finish Tokoro by an arm-bar. Between these, Tokoro himself had his chances. A very high paced and exciting fight!



Andy Ologun was the only K-1 fighter of the night to have success against a MMA fighter. He did that with MMA rules too! BIG KO win against Pancrase fighter Yukio Sakaguchi.



After the Youth final and a break, it was time to introduce DJ Oozuma. He came on with a show that resembled his friend Akihiro Gono.



He introduced a matchup that I thought before the event might have been fixed. After what unfolded, it was clearly not. Inviting Bob Sapp to brawl is just a BAD idea!



Semmy Schilt was able to show that he can still finish people on the ground, and with the plans of crowning a DREAM heavyweight champion in 2009, I have a feeling he will be in with a chance.



Shibata charged out, and it looked like he took Sakurai by surprise. But once Sakurai regained his composure, there was no doubt who were the better fighter.



In a fight that was promoted as a battle between the neighboring prefectures of Saitama (Takeda) and Ibaraki (Kawajiri). K-1 fighter Kozo Takeda took on DREAM fighter Tatsuya Kawajiri. I guess this fight set the mood for the rest of the night. Kawajiri had much better hands than Takeda, who was unable to get the fight into his pace. Kawajiri's uppercuts opened Takeda up, and Takeda went down 3 times in less than 3 minutes.





Even more impressive was the KO win for Overeem over Hari. I really think Overeem has gained a lot of comfidence in 2008 and he will be a force in 2009!



Then it was time for the ring girls to take to the ring. They had very little work to do this event, so it was easy to forget they were there...



After the break Crocop entered the ring to take on Hong Man Choi. It will be the last time we see him for a while, as he will have to take time off for a knee reconstruction. I really hope it goes well and we get to see Crocop back to his usual self at the end of 2009. He did show that he could throw the left high-kick, even against a guy as big as Hong Man Choi. However it was a leg-kick that won the fight for him.



Gegard Mousasi have announced that he will compete in the ADCC championships in 2009, for Dynamite he took on Japanese K-1 star Musashi, with K-1 Rules. Gegard showed why you should never underestimate him! He is very mentally strong and really handed it to his opponent.





Next in the ring was Mark Hunt against the very late replacement Manfred Manhoef. It was a very quick win for Manhoef and I think Hunt didnt know what hit him... It was really a fight he needed to win... Manhoef didnt care though, a very strong KO win to the Dutchman.



Alvarez made the ultimate mistake against Aoki... A body kick. Aoki got ahold of his leg and was able to work Alvarez to the ground. Shinya Aoki got a big win and Alvarez his first loss in Japan.





And since I am out of town, with limited computer capabilities... I am unable to upload the remining pictures. It also means that updates will be somewhat slow the next few days, but I hope to be back in time for Sengoku!

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DREAM Plans for 2009

DREAM have announced the plans for a featherweight and welterweight tournaments in 2009. This means that the featherweight marked in Japan will be vacuumed for talent, as both Sengoku and DREAM put on their tournaments.

For the welterweight tournament, Aoki has already put his hand up. Alvarez and JZ could also potentially move up, I think. Of course, "Mach" Sakurai will get a spot if the recent controversy surrounding his has not been too much for FEG.

DREAM is planning the same number of events in 2009, which means 6, the first to be held in early March.

It should be another good year for Japanese fans!

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12/31 Dynamite! - Results Live

Event of the year is starting in 4 hours (3PM Japan time) in Saitama. I will be there, but focus will be taking pictres, not updating results. I will try to get results updated during the breaks though. Sherdog should have live PBP going, so they should be quicker with the results.

I am very happy that Manhoef stepped in on so short notice, and the fight with Hunt should be very interesting.

Time for me to get to the arena! If you read on, there will be spoilers when the event starts!

It is announced that "Hellboy" vs. JZ fight is cancelled!! It is due to injury on "Hellboy", the doctor stopped the fight!

The event is underway and I really hope the injury is not serious! I know Joachim was well prepared and it is very sad....

19. Main-Event: DREAM-Rule: Kiyoshi Tamura Def. Kazushi Sakuraba by Decision 3-0
18: DREAM-Rule: Joachim Hansen vs. "JZ" Gesias Cavalcante Cancelled :(
17: DREAM-Rule: Shinya Aoki Def. Eddie Alvarez by Heel-hook Round 1 1:32
16. DREAM-Rule: Melvin Manhoef Def. Mark Hunt by KO Round 1 0:18
Huge win for Manhoef! A right hook puts Hunt down!

15. K-1-Rule: Gegard Mousasi Def. Musashi by KO Round 1 2:32
Its been an awesome night for DREAM figthers fighting K-1 rules! What's going on??

14. DREAM-Rule: Mirko "CroCop" Filipovic Def. Hong Man Choi by TKO Round 1 6:32
Crocop announced that he will have a knee reconstruction in 2 days. He is looking forward to his next fight, but he will have to recover for 6 months.

--BREAK--

13. K-1 Rule: Alistair Overeem Def. Badr Hari by KO Round 1 2:02
HUGE KO, and a BIG win!

12. K-1-Rule: Tatsuya Kawajiri Def. Kozo Takeda by TKO (3 down) Round 1 2:47
Crushing victory to Kawajiri!

11. DREAM-Rule: Hayato "Mach" Sakurai Def. Katsuyori Shibata by TKO Round 1 7:01
10. DREAM-Rule: Semmy Schilt Def. Mighty Mo by Triangle choke round 1 5:31
Schilt showed that he still has ground game!

9. DREAM-Rule: Bob Sapp Def. Kinniku Mantaro by TKO Round 1 5:22

--BREAK--

8. K-1 Youth Tournament Final: HIROYA Def. Koya Urabe by Decision 3-0(after extention)

7. DREAM-Rule: Andy Ologun Def. Yukio Sakaguchi by KO Round 1 3:52
Sakaguchi looked like he had Andy in a triangle, but was unable to finish. Andy took advantage when the ref stood them up.

6. DREAM-Rule: Daisuke Nakamura Def. Hideo Tokoro by arm-bar round 1 2:43
Tokoro might have injured his arm, and this was a very exciting fight while it lasted.

5. K-1-Rule: Artur Kyshenko Def. Yoshihiro Sato by Decision 2-0
4. K-1 Youth Tournament (semi-final): Hiroya Def. Shota Shimada by Decision 3-0
3. K-1 Youth Tournament (semi-final): Koya Urabe Def. Tatsuya Kusakabe by TKO Round 3 2:29
2. DREAM-Rule: Ikuhisa Minowa "Minowaman" Def. Errol Zimmerman by Toe-hold round 1 1:01

Opening Fight:
1. K-1 Youth (Reserve): Taishi Hiratsuka Def. Daizo Sasaki by KO Round 2 1:00

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12/31 DYNAMITE! - Manhoef steps up!

Last minute changes to the Dynamite card! Jerome is out due to the flu and FEG has been working hard to find a replacement, it is announced now that Melvin Manhoef steps in!!

I have to say that I am very excited about this change, Manhoef is giving up A LOT in weight, but he is a very good fighter and this could go either way.

I really look forward to this one! Hope Manhoef get paid well to step in on so short notice!

The complete and final card for tomorrow then:
19. Main-Event: DREAM-Rule: Kazushi Sakuraba 24-11-1 vs. 32-13-2 Kiyoshi Tamura
18: DREAM-Rule: Joachim Hansen 19-7-1 vs. 14-2-1 "JZ" Gesias Cavalcante
17: DREAM-Rule: Shinya Aoki 18-3-0 vs. 15-1-0 Eddie Alvarez
16. DREAM-Rule: Mark Hunt 5-4-0 vs. 22-5-1 Melvin Manhoef
15. K-1-Rule: Gegard Mousasi vs. Musashi
14. DREAM-Rule: Mirko "CroCop" Filipovic 23-6-2 vs. 1-1-0 Hong Man Choi
--BREAK--
13. K-1 Rule: Alistair Overeem vs. Badr Hari
12. K-1-Rule: Tatsuya Kawajiri vs. Kozo Takeda
11. DREAM-Rule: Hayato "Mach" Sakurai 33-8-2 vs. 2-5-1 Katsuyori Shibata
10. DREAM-Rule: Semmy Schilt 25-14-1 vs. 3-0-0 Mighty Mo
9. DREAM-Rule: Bob Sapp 9-3-1 vs. Kinniku Mantaro
--BREAK--
8. K-1 Youth Tournament Final: Winner Fight 3 vs. Winner Fight 4
7. DREAM-Rule: Yukio Sakaguchi 3-3-0 vs. 1-1-0 Andy Ologun
6. DREAM-Rule: Hideo Tokoro 21-14-1 vs. 18-9-0 Daisuke Nakamura
5. K-1-Rule: Yoshihiro Sato vs. Artur Kyshenko
4. K-1 Youth Tournament (semi-final): Hiroya vs. Shota Shimada
3. K-1 Youth Tournament (semi-final): Tatsuya Kusakabe vs. Koya Urabe
2. DREAM-Rule: Ikuhisa Minowa "Minowaman" 40-29-8 vs. Errol Zimmerman

Opening Fight:
1. K-1 Youth (Reserve): Daizo Sasaki vs. Taishi Hiratsuka

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12/31 DYNAMITE! - Jerome LeBanner is OUT!

Just so there is no misunderstanding. It was announced at the press conference today that Jerome LeBanner is out of tomorrow's Dynamite event! This is of course a huge disappointment for himself and his fans.

That means that FEG has 1 day to dig out a worthy opponent! This is the biggest show of the year, and there should be lots of fighters jumping at this chance, but 1 day? I just hope they find someone. The card is solid, but I would have liked to see Mark Hunt get another fight this year.

So, with that last minute change, here is what the card looks like:

Fight Order:
19. Main-Event: DREAM-Rule: Kazushi Sakuraba 24-11-1 vs. 32-13-2 Kiyoshi Tamura
18: DREAM-Rule: Joachim Hansen 19-7-1 vs. 14-2-1 "JZ" Gesias Cavalcante
17: DREAM-Rule: Shinya Aoki 18-3-0 vs. 15-1-0 Eddie Alvarez
16. DREAM-Rule: Mark Hunt 5-4-0 vs. TBA
15. K-1-Rule: Gegard Mousasi vs. Musashi
14. DREAM-Rule: Mirko "CroCop" Filipovic 23-6-2 vs. 1-1-0 Hong Man Choi
--BREAK--
13. K-1 Rule: Alistair Overeem vs. Badr Hari
12. K-1-Rule: Tatsuya Kawajiri vs. Kozo Takeda
11. DREAM-Rule: Hayato "Mach" Sakurai 33-8-2 vs. 2-5-1 Katsuyori Shibata
10. DREAM-Rule: Semmy Schilt 25-14-1 vs. 3-0-0 Mighty Mo
9. DREAM-Rule: Bob Sapp 9-3-1 vs. Kinniku Mantaro
--BREAK--
8. K-1 Youth Tournament Final: Winner Fight 3 vs. Winner Fight 4
7. DREAM-Rule: Yukio Sakaguchi 3-3-0 vs. 1-1-0 Andy Ologun
6. DREAM-Rule: Hideo Tokoro 21-14-1 vs. 18-9-0 Daisuke Nakamura
5. K-1-Rule: Yoshihiro Sato vs. Artur Kyshenko
4. K-1 Youth Tournament (semi-final): Hiroya vs. Shota Shimada
3. K-1 Youth Tournament (semi-final): Tatsuya Kusakabe vs. Koya Urabe
2. DREAM-Rule: Ikuhisa Minowa "Minowaman" 40-29-8 vs. Errol Zimmerman

Opening Fight:
1. K-1 Youth (Reserve): Daizo Sasaki vs. Taishi Hiratsuka

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12/31 DYNAMITE! - Press Conference

At the press conference in Shinjuku today, it was confirmed that LeBanner has come down with the flu. There is still hope that Mark Hunt will get a fight tomorrow, but of course, it is very short notice.



Most of the attention from the Japanese media was today directed at the last 3 fights. They have a habbit of not asking "soup" questions, and today was no exception. They asked Joachim Hansen, JZ Calvan, Eddie Alvarez and Shinya Aoki "What kind of fight you would like to have tomorrow?". As always, the answer was "an entertaining fight".



JZ and Joachim Hansen showed eachother a great deal of respect and both admitted that it will be a difficult battle. They both have a big fan base in Japan, and it will be an awesome fight!



Eddie Alvarez has brought it family this time, and his fight with Aoki is the final that should have been. Aoki has definately made an effort to become a more complete fighter after his loss to Hansen in DREAM 5, but I dont thing we are likely to see him bang with Alvarez.



Bob Sapp is a very popular fighter in Japan, and I think he actually got the biggest cheer. He said that Kinniku Mantaro will meet his worst nightmare tomorrow... Reality! Kinniku Mantaro was unable to answer, due to the mask...





As most of you would have seen, Crocop has spent a lot of time training with a Crotian basketball player. He highlighted the value of this in front of his fight with Hong Man Choi. I am really looking forward to it, it is a difficult challenge for both fighters and Choi should not be underestimated! I shouldnt need to remind anyone what Fedor looked like last NYE (I know he won, but HMC has a vicious GnP).



For tomorrow, I will be there. To my knowledge, if you are in Japan, but not in the arena, the earliest you can see this is at 7PM on TBS. This will of course be a edited version. There is a PPV on SkyPerfect, but this starts at mid-night.



I will try to give updates from the arena, but it will be impossible to give these live. I will give updates, but most likely in the breaks. Check in and I will do my best to have the results up as early aas possible!

Also, appologies for the pictures... I was all the way in the back and used the zoom as best I could, but people kept getting in the way. :) Anyway, here are some more.

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12/31 DYNAMITE! - Weigh-In

The weigh-in for this year's Dynamite is out of the way. Andy Ologun is the only fighter that has to weigh in again after missing weight by .4kg.

To sum it up, Sakuraba looks as fit, he has clearly worked hard for this fight. Both "JZ" and "HellBoy" look extremly fit for this one, and it should be fight of the night (IMO).

Nightmare of Battle is reporting that the Aoki vs. Alvarez fight will be for the WAMMA lightweight title. I really dont know how these titles work, and I have not seen anything about it in the Japanese media...

Though it might not be the most anticipated fight for the hardcore fans, the Japanese fans love Bob Sapp.

There is a rumor that Jerome LeBanner is not able to fight... He did not weigh in today, but it is open weight and he was not the only one. Mark Hunt weighed in like normal and there was NO indication that this fight is cancelled.

The public press-conferance will be in Shinjuku later tonight, and I will be there to cover that too!

19. Main-Event: DREAM-Rule (84.0kg):
Kazushi Sakuraba 82.7kg
Kiyoshi Tamura 83.6kg

18: DREAM-Rule (70.0kg):
Joachim Hansen 69.3kg
Gesias "JZ" Cavalcante 70.0kg

17: DREAM-Rule (70.0kg):
Shinya Aoki 69.9kg
Eddie Alvarez 69.2kg

16. DREAM-Rule (+93.1):
Mark Hunt 130.4kg
Jerome Lebanner

15. K-1-Rule (Open):
Gegard Mousasi 97.8kg
Musashi 103.8

14. DREAM-Rule (+93.1kg):
Mirko "CroCop" Filipovic
Hong Man Choi 148.5

13. K-1 Rule (open):
Alistair Overeem 115.2kg
Badr Hari

12. K-1-Rule (70.0kg):
Tatsuya Kawajiri 70.0kg
Kozo Takeda 69.9kg

11. DREAM-Rule (80.0kg):
Hayato "Mach" Sakurai 79.7kg
Katsuyori Shibata 79.8kg

10. DREAM-Rule (+93.1kg):
Semmy Schilt 129.6kg
Mighty Mo 136.6kg

9. DREAM-Rule (+93.1):
Bob Sapp
Kinniku Mantaro 102.3kg

8. K-1 Youth Tournament Final: Winner Fight 3 vs. Winner Fight 4

7. DREAM-Rule (75.0kg):
Yukio Sakaguchi 70.8kg
Andy Ologun 75.4kg

6. DREAM-Rule (68.0kg):
Hideo Tokoro 66.0kg
Daisuke Nakamura 67.4kg

5. K-1-Rule (71.0kg):
Yoshihiro Sato 71.0kg
Artur Kyshenko 71.0kg

4. K-1 Youth Tournament (semi-final)(62.0kg):
Hiroya 62.0kg
Shota Shimada 62.0kg

3. K-1 Youth Tournament (semi-final)(62.0kg):
Tatsuya Kusakabe 60.7kg
Koya Urabe 62.7kg

2. DREAM-Rule (Open):
Ikuhisa Minowa "Minowaman" 91.5kg
Errol Zimmerman 109.1kg

Opening Fight:
1. K-1 Youth (Reserve) (62.0kg):
Daizo Sasaki 61.2kg
Taishi Hiratsuka 60.5kg

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12/31 DYNAMITE! - Fight Order - 19 (!) Fights on the Card!

FEG have added Errol Zimmerman vs. Minowaman to Dynamite! The fight has been rumored and the Japanese fans should be happy to see "Minowaman" on the card. The fight will be the opening fight for the main card. Errol Zimmerman will have his MMA debut against the very experienced "Minowaman".

Not unexpected, Tamura vs. Sakuraba is the main event, before the Tamura/Sakuraba battle will be the fight between Hellboy and JZ.

FEG have also added a reserve fight in the K-1 Youth Tournament. The tournament is where FEG promotes and builds the new talent. Last year YUDAI won the tournament by defeating HIROYA by split decision. Since then HIROYA have had 4 K-1 fights, and Yudai has not had any. This tournament provided some very good fights last year, and hopefully that continues this year.

As far as I am concerned, just the last 6 fights would have been a good event. This will be event of the year, without a doubt!

Have to be said though... First time since 2003 that Fedor is not fighting in Japan on NYE...

Fight Order:
19. Main-Event: DREAM-Rule: Kazushi Sakuraba 24-11-1 vs. 32-13-2 Kiyoshi Tamura
18: DREAM-Rule: Joachim Hansen 19-7-1 vs. 14-2-1 "JZ" Gesias Cavalcante
17: DREAM-Rule: Shinya Aoki 18-3-0 vs. 15-1-0 Eddie Alvarez
16. DREAM-Rule: Mark Hunt 5-4-0 vs. 3-1-1 Jerome Lebanner
15. K-1-Rule: Gegard Mousasi vs. Musashi
14. DREAM-Rule: Mirko "CroCop" Filipovic 23-6-2 vs. 1-1-0 Hong Man Choi
--BREAK--
13. K-1 Rule: Alistair Overeem vs. Badr Hari
12. K-1-Rule: Tatsuya Kawajiri vs. Kozo Takeda
11. DREAM-Rule: Hayato "Mach" Sakurai 33-8-2 vs. 2-5-1 Katsuyori Shibata
10. DREAM-Rule: Semmy Schilt 25-14-1 vs. 3-0-0 Mighty Mo
9. DREAM-Rule: Bob Sapp 9-3-1 vs. Kinniku Mantaro
--BREAK--
8. K-1 Youth Tournament Final: Winner Fight 3 vs. Winner Fight 4
7. DREAM-Rule: Yukio Sakaguchi 3-3-0 vs. 1-1-0 Andy Ologun
6. DREAM-Rule: Hideo Tokoro 21-14-1 vs. 18-9-0 Daisuke Nakamura
5. K-1-Rule: Yoshihiro Sato vs. Artur Kyshenko
4. K-1 Youth Tournament (semi-final): Hiroya vs. Shota Shimada
3. K-1 Youth Tournament (semi-final): Tatsuya Kusakabe vs. Koya Urabe
2. DREAM-Rule: Ikuhisa Minowa "Minowaman" 40-29-8 vs. Errol Zimmerman

Opening Fight:
1. K-1 Youth (Reserve): Daizo Sasaki vs. Taishi Hiratsuka

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12/31 Dynamite! - Card Complete (?)/Public Press Conference

FEG finally confirmed the fight between Overeem and Hari yesterday. Of course, this had already been confirmed by both sides so there was no surprises. The fight will be K-1 Rule and it should be a good one.

Of course, K-1 rule should mean that Badr Hari comes in the favorite. But Overeem has competed with these rules before and should come in with a weight advantage. I would also guess that he will get the support of the Japanese crowd.

In addition to this fight, FEG announced yesterday that a public press conference will be held on December 30. This will be held in Shinjuku Station Square starting at 4.30PM and will of course feature the fighters, promoters and match-makers. I will be there covering it too.

So, it seems this year's Dynamite! card is complete (there might still be additions though). It should be an awesome event, as always!

The fights in no particular order:
K-1 Rule:
Gegard Mousasi vs. Musashi
Tatsuya Kawajiri vs. Kozo Takeda
Yoshihiro Sato vs. Artur Kyshenko
Alistair Overeem vs. Badr Hari

DREAM Rule:
Kazushi Sakuraba 24-11-1 vs. 32-13-2 Kiyoshi Tamura
Joachim Hansen 19-7-1 vs. 14-2-1 "JZ" Gesias Cavalcante
Mirko "CroCop" Filipovic 23-6-2 vs. 1-1-0 Hong Man Choi
Mark Hunt 5-4-0 vs. 3-1-1 Jerome Lebanner
Shinya Aoki 18-3-0 vs. 15-1-0 Eddie Alvarez
Semmy Schilt 25-14-1 vs. 3-0-0 Mighty Mo
Hideo Tokoro 21-14-1 vs. 18-9-0 Daisuke Nakamura
Yukio Sakaguchi 3-3-0 vs. 1-1-0 Andy Ologun
Hayato "Mach" Sakurai 33-8-2 vs. 2-5-1 Katsuyori Shibata

K-1 Youth Tournament Semi-Final (Final held same night):
Hiroya vs. Shota Shimada
Tatsuya Kusakabe vs. Koya Urabe

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12/31 DYNAMITE! - Fight Odds ***UPDATED***

I have updated this post with more odds on the bottom, these are from www.bet-at-home.com curtisy of http://freefightvideos.blogspot.com

There are lots of good fights coming up on the Dynamite card, the first odds are out and I am getting them from BestFightOdds.com. It was the first time I have seen this page and I recommend you check it out if you are of the betting kind. They have the odds for several events and bookmakers making it easy to compare! A very useful tool!

Anyway, only 1 site has Dynamite! odds up so far, BetCRIS.

The odds are currently:
Joachim Hansen -115
Jz Cavalcante -115

Eddie Alvarez -115
Shinya Aoki -115

Semmy Schilt -600
Siala Siliga +450

Daisuke Nakamura -110
Hideo Tokoro -120

From what I have seen, JZ started out the favorite but "HellBoy" has even the odds out. Not much value currently, but if you belive in Mighty Mo it should be good odds.

Additional odds:
Hideo Tokoro - 1,65
Daisuke Nakamura - 2,00

Jerome Lebanner - 1,45
Mark Hunt - 2,50

Joachim Hansen - 1,70
J.Z. Calvancanti - 1,95

Kazushi Sakuraba - 1,50
Kiyoshi Tamura - 2,35

Mirko Filipovic - 1,35
Hong Man Choi - 2,90

Semmy Schilt - 1,12
Mighty Mo - 5,50

Shinya Aoki - 1,80
Eddie Alvarez - 1,80

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12/31 DYNAMITE! - 2 Fights Officially added

FEG have announced 2 additional fights for Dynamite! All I can say is that this is not the type of opponent I was hopeing Sakurai would face... Shibata won his 2 first MMA fights, since then he is yet to taste victory. Sakurai should really have his eyes on the DREAM title belt.

Yukio Sakagushi is takeing on Bobby's brother (that's how he is known in Japan...). But this is a matchup I like. Sakaguchi is a puncher, and it will be interesting to see how he deals with Ologun. Will this fight go to the ground? Ologun is not really an MMA fighter, even though he has had 2 fights previously. Ologun is happy to go the distance, Sakaguchi has NEVER gone past round 1. I really think it could be a fun fight!

The card is taking shape and 15 fights are officially announced. I am keeping the Overeem vs. Hari fight as a "rumored fight", since its not confirmed from FEG yet.

Added:
Dream-Rule
Yukio Sakaguchi 3-3-0 vs. 1-1-0 Andy Ologun
Hayato "Mach" Sakurai 33-8-2 vs. 2-5-1 Katsuyori Shibata

Rumored:
K-1 Rule:
Alistair Overeem vs. Badr Hari

Previously announced:
K-1 Rule
Gegard Mousasi vs. Musashi
Tatsuya Kawajiri vs. Kozo Takeda
Yoshihiro Sato vs. Artur Kyshenko

DREAM Rule
Kazushi Sakuraba 24-11-1 vs. 32-13-2 Kiyoshi Tamura
Joachim Hansen 19-7-1 vs. 14-2-1 "JZ" Gesias Cavalcante
Mirko "CroCop" Filipovic 23-6-2 vs. 1-1-0 Hong Man Choi
Mark Hunt 5-4-0 vs. 3-1-1 Jerome Lebanner
Shinya Aoki 18-3-0 vs. 15-1-0 Eddie Alvarez
Semmy Schilt 25-14-1 vs. 3-0-0 Mighty Mo
Hideo Tokoro 21-14-1 vs. 18-9-0 Daisuke Nakamura

K-1 Youth Tournament Semi-Final (Final held same night):
Hiroya vs. Shota Shimada
Tatsuya Kusakabe vs. Koya Urabe

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12/31 DYNAMITE! - Bob Sapp Added

Bob Sapp has always been a favorite with the Japanese crowd on NYE. This year he will be taking on Kinniku Mantaro. I have to say that I dont know who Kinniku Mantaro is... Sounds almost like a cartoon character.

Not only is Sapp taking on a cartoon character, but it will be under DREAM rules. This should be hit with the Japanese fans, but not sure if it is much of a draw for hard core MMA fans...

Dont know how you prepare for a fight like that, but he looks strong... Of course, last year Sapp got a cardio workout chasing Bobby Ologun around the ring, I hope we get a fight this year. Here is a recent picture of Sapp's opponent.




Nightmare of battle has figured out who will be wearing the Kinniku Man costume. It is Akihito Tanaka, he is a very accomplished amature wrestler and it should be a good fight!

Added:
DREAM Rule:
Bob Sapp 9-3-1 vs. Kinniku Mantaro

Previously announced:
K-1 Rule:
Gegard Mousasi vs. Musashi
Tatsuya Kawajiri vs. Kozo Takeda
Yoshihiro Sato vs. Artur Kyshenko

DREAM Rule:
Mirko "CroCop" Filipovic 23-6-2 vs. 1-1-0 Hong Man Choi
Kazushi Sakuraba 24-11-1 vs. 32-13-2 Kiyoshi Tamura
Joachim Hansen 19-7-1 vs. 14-2-1 "JZ" Gesias Cavalcante
Mark Hunt 5-4-0 vs. 3-1-1 Jerome Lebanner
Shinya Aoki 18-3-0 vs. 15-1-0 Eddie Alvarez
Semmy Schilt 25-14-1 vs. 3-0-0 Mighty Mo
Hideo Tokoro 21-14-1 vs. 18-9-0 Daisuke Nakamura

K-1 Youth Tournament Semi-Final (Final held same night):
Hiroya vs. Shota Shimada
Tatsuya Kusakabe vs. Koya Urabe

Confirmed Participants:
Yukio Sakaguchi 3-3-0

Possible Participants:
Masato
Caol Uno
Mitsuhiro Ishida
Masakatsu Funaki
Katsuyori Shibata
Ikuhisa "Minowaman" Minowa
Hayato "Mach" Sakurai
Junichi Sawayashiki
Yasuhiro Kido
Taishin Kohiruimaki

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12/31 DYNAMITE! - CroCop Confirms his opponent! **UPDATED**

**UPDATE** This is also confirmed by FEG today.

**UPDATE 2** FEG has confirmed that "Kid" Yamamoto will NOT fight this NYE. They also confirmed that Yukio Sakaguchi will fight! Sakaguchi went into the Pancrase rankings earlier this year after a huge KO win over Yuichi Ikari. He is also brother of famous actor Kenji Sakaguchi and son of famous pro-wrestler Seiji Sakaguchi.

There has been alot of speculation around who Crocop would be fighting on NYE. He has now conformed on his blog that he is fighting Hong Man Choi.

I'm excited to let you know that I have accepted DREAM's offer to fight against Hong-man Choi on December 31 at Dynamite show. We arranged all details and the contract has been signed - the fight is officialy on.

The fight will be contested under MMA Rules, and I am looking forward to it. Both fighters will be very eager to get back on the winning track.

Added:
DREAM Rule:
Mirko "CroCop" Filipovic 23-6-2 vs. 1-1-0 Hong Man Choi

Previously announced:
K-1 Rule
Gegard Mousasi vs. Musashi
Tatsuya Kawajiri vs. Kozo Takeda
Yoshihiro Sato vs. Artur Kyshenko

DREAM Rule
Kazushi Sakuraba 24-11-1 vs. 32-13-2 Kiyoshi Tamura
Joachim Hansen 19-7-1 vs. 14-2-1 "JZ" Gesias Cavalcante
Mark Hunt 5-4-0 vs. 3-1-1 Jerome Lebanner
Shinya Aoki 18-3-0 vs. 15-1-0 Eddie Alvarez
Semmy Schilt 25-14-1 vs. 3-0-0 Mighty Mo
Hideo Tokoro 21-14-1 vs. 18-9-0 Daisuke Nakamura

K-1 Youth Tournament Semi-Final (Final held same night):
Hiroya vs. Shota Shimada
Tatsuya Kusakabe vs. Koya Urabe

Confirmed Participants:
Yukio Sakaguchi 3-3-0

Possible Participants:
Masato
Caol Uno
Mitsuhiro Ishida
Masakatsu Funaki
Katsuyori Shibata
Ikuhisa "Minowaman" Minowa
Hayato "Mach" Sakurai
Junichi Sawayashiki
Yasuhiro Kido
Taishin Kohiruimaki

Read more...

12/31 DYNAMITE! - Fights Added

Dynamite added some announcements today, following all the Sengoku announcements yesterday I expected something. The big announcement is Semmy Schilt's return to MMA rules (at a major event), he will be taking on Mighty Mo. This might end up to be more like K-1 rules, but it should be a good fight. It will be interesting to see if we get to see what Schilt is like on the ground now.

Hideo Tokoro should get a real test against Daisuke Nakamura. Tokoro will be giving up around 10kg in this fight (normally) and it will be a challenge for him.

They have also added the K-1 fight between Yoshihiro Sato and Artur Kyshenko.

This will, as always be a very good event.

DREAM Rule:
Semmy Schilt 25-14-1 vs. 3-0-0 Mighty Mo
Hideo Tokoro 21-14-1 vs. 18-9-0 Daisuke Nakamura

K-1 Rule:
Yoshihiro Sato vs. Artur Kyshenko

Previously announced:
K-1 Rule
Gegard Mousasi vs. Musashi
Tatsuya Kawajiri vs. Kozo Takeda

DREAM Rule
Kazushi Sakuraba 24-11-1 vs. 32-13-2 Kiyoshi Tamura
Joachim Hansen 19-7-1 vs. 14-2-1 "JZ" Gesias Cavalcante
Mark Hunt 5-4-0 vs. 3-1-1 Jerome Lebanner
Shinya Aoki 18-3-0 vs. 15-1-0 Eddie Alvarez

K-1 Youth Tournament Semi-Final (Final held same night):
Hiroya vs. Shota Shimada
Tatsuya Kusakabe vs. Koya Urabe

Possible Participants:
Masato
Norifumi "Kid" Yamamoto
Caol Uno
Hideo Tokoro
Mitsuhiro Ishida
Masakatsu Funaki
Katsuyori Shibata
Ikuhisa "Minowaman" Minowa
Hayato "Mach" Sakurai
Junichi Sawayashiki
Yoshihiro Sato
Yasuhiro Kido
Taishin Kohiruimaki
Mirko Crocop
Hong Man Choi

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12/31 Dynamite - Alvarez finally take on Aoki

First up, appologies for being very late with this. I was busy yesterday and didn't have time to get the post written up. Hopefully, it will lead to better things down the road though.

The fights added are interesting, to say the least. Shinya Aoki was meant to face Eddie Alvarez in this year's Lightweight Tournament final. That didn't happen, and there should be a lot at stake in this fight! My guess is that the winner gets a shot at "HellBoy"'s title early next year.

The other fight announced is also MMA rules and will feature 2 K-1 stars. Of course Mark Hunt have gone on to improve his resume by including both Pride and Hustle ProWresting to that. Hunt's last performance in DREAM was something he would like to put behind him, and it will be interesting if he is able to bounce back against LeBanner. Based on it being MMA rules, Hunt might come in as the favorite, but his comback against Alistair Overeem left more questions than answers. Lets hope we get some answers in this one!

Added:
DREAM Rule:
Mark Hunt vs. Jerome Lebanner
Shinya Aoki vs. Eddie Alvarez

Previously announced:
K-1 Rule
Gegard Mousasi vs. Musashi
Tatsuya Kawajiri vs. Kozo Takeda

DREAM Rule
Kazushi Sakuraba 24-11-1 vs. 32-13-2 Kiyoshi Tamura
Joachim Hansen 19-7-1 vs. 14-2-1 "JZ" Gesias Cavalcante

K-1 Youth Tournament Semi-Final (Final held same night):
Hiroya vs. Shota Shimada
Tatsuya Kusakabe vs. Koya Urabe

Participants:
Masato
Norifumi "Kid" Yamamoto
Caol Uno
Hideo Tokoro
Mitsuhiro Ishida
Masakatsu Funaki
Katsuyori Shibata
Ikuhisa "Minowaman" Minowa
Hayato "Mach" Sakurai
Junichi Sawayashiki
Yoshihiro Sato
Yasuhiro Kido
Taishin Kohiruimaki
Mirko Crocop
Hong Man Choi

Read more...