7/10 DREAM 15 - JZ Calvan vs. Kikuno Announced

FEG have announced 2 additional fights for DREAM 15 to take place in Saitama Superarena on July 10. Returning is HEROs champion JZ Calvan, who will take on DEEP chamption Katsunori Kikuno. Sherdog's Tony Loiseleur made this interview with the DEEP champion (well worth a read).

FEG also announced a light-heavyweight fight, the very popular Melvin Manhoef will take on Tatsuya Mizuno.

At DREAM 14 FEG announced what will most likely be the main event as two of Japan's favorite fighters will battle for the title. Tatsuya Kawajiri will challenge for Shinya Aoki's belt.

Lightweight Dream title fight:
Shinya Aoki vs. Tatsuya Kawajiri

Light: JZ Calvan vs. Katsunori Kikuno
Light-Heavy: Melvin Manhoef vs. Tatsuya Mizuno

Discuss in the FORUM

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3/22 DREAM 13 - LIVE RESULTS

I will be putting up the live results here, discussion is in the forum.

Main Event - Featherweigth Title Fight:
7. Bibiano Fernandes (c) Def. Joachim "Hellboy" Hansen by Decision 2-1

6. Heavy: Josh Barnett Def. Siala "Mighty Mo" Siliga by straight armbar Round 1

5. Light: K.J. Noons Def. Andre Dida by Decision 3-0

4. Welter: Ryo Chonan Def. Andrews Nakahara by Decision 3-0

3. Feather: Cole Escovedo Def. Yoshiro Maeda by KO Round 1
Inside legkick sets up the highkick and a BIG KO!

2. Light: Katsunori Kikuno Def. Kuniyoshi Hironaka by KO Round 1
Set up, as expected, by the cresent kick.

1. Open: Ikuhisa Minowa Def. Jimmy Ambriz by heel-hook Round 2

Discuss in the FORUM

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3/22 DREAM 13 - Fight Order and Weigh-in

DREAM held the weighin for their 13th event today. It should be a good one, but I wish there were a few more fights on the card.

The main event should be an awesome fight, and with "Hellboy" dropping to featherweight, it will be interesting to see how he handles the challenge of meeting the DREAM champion.

The fighters have made weight, and I can't wait for tomorrow!

Main Event - Featherweigth Title Fight:
7. Bibiano Fernandes (c) (62.9kg) 7-2-0 vs. 19-8-1 (63kg) Joachim "Hellboy" Hansen

6. Heavy: Josh Barnett (115kg )24-5-0 vs. 3-1-0 (115kg) Siala "Mighty Mo" Siliga
5. Light: K.J. Noons (71.8kg) 7-2-0 vs. 6-3-1 (71.5kg) Andre Dida
4. Welter: Ryo Chonan (75.8kg) 16-10-0 vs. 2-1-0 (75.4kg) Andrews Nakahara
3. Feather: Yoshiro Maeda (62.5kg) 26-7-2 vs. 15-4-0 (62.8kg) Cole Escovedo
2. Light: Katsunori Kikuno (70kg) 12-2-2 vs. 16-6-0 (70kg) Kuniyoshi Hironaka
1. Open: Ikuhisa Minowa (89kg) 44-30-8 vs. 14-12-1 (125kg) Jimmy Ambriz

Discuss in the FORUM

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3/22 DREAM 13 - Official FEG Looking for Opponent for Barnett

The rumors have been more or less confirmed, but FEG have today announced that Josh Barnett will be fighting in DREAM 13, but they have yet to find an opponent.

Also announced for the card is a featherweight fight between two WEC veterans. The Japanese will be behind Yoshiro Maeda as he takes on Cole Escovedo.

Added:
Feather: Yoshiro Maeda 26-7-2 vs. 15-4-0 Cole Escovedo
Heavy: Josh Barnett 24-5-0 vs. TBA

Previously Announced:
Featherweigth Title Fight:
Bibiano Fernandes (champion) 7-2-0 vs. 19-8-1 Joachim "Hellboy" Hansen

Light: Katsunori Kikuno 12-2-2 vs. 16-6-0 Kuniyoshi Hironaka
Light: K.J. Noons 7-2-0 vs. 6-3-1 Andre Dida
Open: Ikuhisa Minowa 44-30-8 vs. 14-12-1 Jimmy Ambriz
Welter: Ryo Chonan 16-10-0 vs. 2-1-0 Andrews Nakahara

Discuss in the FORUM

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3/22 DREAM 13 - Fights Announced

FEG have announced some very interesting fights for the upcoming event in Yokohama Arena.

Former EliteXC champion, K.J. Noons, will make his Dream debut against Andre Dida. DEEP lightweight and Cage Force lightweight champions, Katsunori Kikuno and Kuniyoshi Hironaka will face each other.

Added:
Light: Katsunori Kikuno 12-2-2 vs. 16-6-0 Kuniyoshi Hironaka
Light: K.J. Noons 7-2-0 vs. 6-3-1 Andre Dida
Open: Ikuhisa Minowa 44-30-8 vs. 14-12-1 Jimmy Ambriz
Welter: Ryo Chonan 16-10-0 vs. 2-1-0 Andrews Nakahara

Previously Announced:
Featherweigth Title Fight:
Bibiano Fernandes (champion) 7-2-0 vs. 19-8-1 Joachim "Hellboy" Hansen

Discuss in the FORUM

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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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7/20 DREAM 10 - Fights so far

Old news, but thought I'd just clearify the fights that have been announced for the next DREAM event. This is the next major event in Japan, and will be held in Saitama SuperArena.

This event will include the Welterweight GP semi-finals and final. The tournament semis are looking very interesting, the veteran in the field is the very experienced "Mach" Sakurai who crushed Shinya Aoki to earn his spot. He will take on the very entertaining Marius Zaromskis. The other semi-final will see ground specialist Andre Galvao take on Jason High in a fight I cant wait to see.

But there are some awesome fights outside of the tournament too! It will be interesting to see what else they add to this card, but I expect 4-5 more fights.

Welterweight Tournament semi-finals:
Semi-final 1: Hayato "Mach" Sakurai 35-8-2 vs. 9-2-0 Marius Zaromskis
Semi-final 2: Andre Galvao 3-0-0 vs. 7-1-0 Jason High

Non-Tournament Fights:
Light: Shinya Aoki 20-4-0 vs. 20-2-0 Victor Ribeiro
Light: Katsunori Kikuno 11-1-1 vs. 6-3-1 Andre "Dida" Amade
Middle: Melvin Manhoef 23-5-1 vs. 16-1-0 Paulo Filho

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7/20 DREAM 10 Fights - DREAM 9 Ratings and Thoughts

Summer time is a bit more quiet on the Japanese MMA scene, as usual. But DREAM has given us some things to think about.

The DREAM 9 ratings were good compared to previous events, DREAM 9 got a rating of 16.2% it topped out at 19.1% during the "Kid" Yamamoto vs. Joe Warren fight. And there is the problem, "Kid" is out of the tournament and he is the biggest DREAMs biggest draw. Expect to see him in the tournament reserve fight. Warren really showed how talented he is, he has started his MMA career in a great way.

What about the rest of the DREAM 9 event? Tokoro again put up a great fight for the crowd, but it takes 2 to tango. The metchup with Abel Cullum was great, the energy in this fight was amazing and it should be a fight of the year candidate.

On the opposite side was the Imanari vs. Fernandes was not the sort of fight the average fans will enjoy. Still a lot of skills and Imanari is a very difficult fighter to face. Fernandes did well and got the win.

The fighters left in the featherweight tournament are:
Bibiano Fernandes
Joe Warren
Hideo Tokoro
Hiroyuki Takaya

It will be very interesting to see how the FEG will match these guys up, I am going to guess Warren vs. Fernandes and Tokoro vs. Takaya. It would ensure a Japanese fighter in the final.

Now it is time to look forward to the DREAM 10 event, which will take place July 20, and I was surprised at some of the fight announcements. But there are already some great fights announced and rumors of some more.

Already announced were the welterweight Tournament semi-finals:
Semi-final 1: Hayato "Mach" Sakurai 35-8-2 vs. 9-2-0 Marius Zaromskis
Semi-final 2: Andre Galvao 3-0-0 vs. 7-1-0 Jason High

True to tradition, the final will be held the same night. And there should be a reserve fight announced too.

During the DREAM 9 event, 3 more fights were announced:
Light: Shinya Aoki 20-4-0 vs. 20-2-0 Victor Ribeiro
Light: Katsunori Kikuno 11-1-1 vs. 6-3-1 Andre "Dida" Amade
Middle: Melvin Manhoef 23-5-1 vs. 16-1-0 Paulo Filho

Shinya Aoki is back in the lightweight division, but I was expecting it to be a title fight. Instead he is taking on Victor Ribeiro, who is coming of a win against Katsuhiko Nagata in DREAM 8.

It is good to see Andre "Dida" back in the MMA ring, and his fight with Kikuno should be very good.

Paulo Filho is back in Japan, I am excited to see that but I hope he comes in better shape than his last fight in the WEC. If Filho comes in shape, the fight with Manhoef will be awesome!

On a side note, DREAM still doesnt have a middleweight champion, Could they add a title fight here? Maybe make some sort of tournament format? A rematch between Miller and Jacare at DREAM 11? It will be interesting to see. Lots of things happening in the DREAM organization now.

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4/16 DEEP 41 - RESULTS

An action packed event in Korakuen Hall earlier today. The main event was for the DEEP lightweight title between Katsunori Kikuno and Koichiro Matsumoto. Alliance's Kikuno won a decisive victory by KO.

Kazuyuki Miyata returned to the ring and also won got a good win in his fight.

The female fight of the night lasted only 21 seconds, a front kick and knees to the body secured the win for the DEEP female lightweight champion.

Main-Event - Lightweight Title Fight:
11. Katsunori Kikuno Def. Koichiro Matsumoto by KO Round 1 4:32

10. Miku Matsumoto Def. Nicdali "The Nightqueen" Calanic by TKO Round 1 0:21
9. Kazuyuki Miyata Def. Jae Hyun So by Guillotine choke Round 1 2:31
8. Ryuki Ueyama Def. Kousei Kubota by Decision 3-0
7. Hiromitsu Kanehara Def. Kenji Nagai by TKO Round 2 3:02
6. Yuji Sakurai Def. Minoru Kato by KO Round 2 0:59
5. Toshiaki Kitada Def. Joe Taimanglo by Guillotine choke Round 1 1:29
4. Seigo Mizuguchi Def. WakaArashi by necklock Round 1 0:19
3. Tomoya Miyashita Def. Crazy Hiru by Spinning choke Round 1 2:39
2. Baek Won Sik (?) Def. Naoki Matsushita by TKO (doctor stop) Round 1 3:59

Opening Fight:
1. Yasuhiro Kawasaki Def. Shun Yagi (?) by TKO Round 1 3:02

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4/16 DEEP 41 - Fight Order

It will be a very interesting event in Korakuen Hall on Thursday. For me, I am looking forward to seeing Miyata returning to the ring, but there are other very good fights on the card.

The main event is the DEEP lightweight title fight, fighting for the vacant title are Katsunori Kikuno and Kichiro Matsumoto. It should be a very good fight.

The female fight on the card is between DEEP champion Miku Matsumoto, who is taking on Nicdali Calanic. The Japanese media has had a bit of focus on this fight, and I expect it to be a good fight for the fans of female MMA.

To get you a bit more excited about the event GoForkYouself have put together this preview of this event:



Main-Event - Lightweight Title Fight:
11. Katsunori Kikuno 10-1-1 vs. 7-1-0 Koichiro Matsumoto

10. Miku Matsumoto vs. 5-2-0 Nicdali "The Nightqueen" Calanic
9. Kazuyuki Miyata 5-7-0 vs. 2-5-0 Jae Hyun So
8. Ryuki Ueyama 9-11-4 vs. 24-29-10 Kousei Kubota
7. Hiromitsu Kanehara 16-22-1 vs. 5-7-2 Kenji Nagai
6. Yuji Sakurai 9-14-1 vs. 2-6-1 Minoru Kato
5. Toshiaki Kitada 7-4-2 vs. 5-3-0 Joe Taimanglo
4. Seigo Mizuguchi 4-4-0 vs. 2-3-0 WakaArashi
3. Tomoya Miyashita 9-5-5 vs. Crazy Hiru
2. Naoki Matsushita 9-10-9 vs. Baek Won Sik (?)

Opening Fight:
1. Yasuhiro Kawasaki 1-0-1 vs. Shun Yagi (?)

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4/16 DEEP 41 - Fights Added

DEEP have announced 3 more fights for their DEEP 41 card, and the card should be close to final now.

The most interesting addition is the fight between Toshiaki Kitada and Joe Taimanglo. Taimanglo is following the trend of exchanges between Japanese organizations and PXC, the Guam based organization.

Also added is Kenji Nagai to face Hiromitsu Kanehara and Crazy Hiru to face Tomoya Miyashita.

Crazy Hiru is a fighter I know from Shoot Boxing and it will be interesting to see how he does in DEEP. I am not sure that this is his MMA debut, as Crazy Hiru is obviously not his real name...

Added:
Hiromitsu Kanehara 16-22-1 vs. 5-7-2 Kenji Nagai
Toshiaki Kitada 7-4-2 vs. 5-3-0 Joe Taimanglo
Tomoya Miyashita 9-5-5 vs. Crazy Hiru

Previously Announced:
Lightweight Title Fight:
Katsunori Kikuno 10-1-1 vs. 7-1-0 Koichiro Matsumoto

Miku Matsumoto vs. 5-2-0 Nicdali "The Nightqueen" Calanic
Ryuki Ueyama 9-11-4 vs. 24-29-10 Kousei Kubota
Yuji Sakurai 9-14-1 vs. 2-6-1 Minoru Kato
Seigo Mizuguchi 4-4-0 vs. 2-3-0 Waka Arash
Kazuyuki Miyata 5-7-0 vs. 2-5-0 Jae Hyun So
Naoki Matsushita 9-10-9 vs. Baek Won Sik (?)

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4/16 DEEP 41 - Miyata Returns!

Saeki has announced that Kazuyuki Miyata is set to make his return at DEEP 41 taking place in Korakuen Hall April 16. Miyata has not fought since his loss in the DREAM lightweight tournament last year. It is over a year since Miyata lost to Luiz "Buscape" Firmino. Since then, he has opened his own gym.

He is taking on the very young (20) Jae Hyun So, in a fight neither fighter wants to lose. Jae Hyun So is a veterean of Korean organization Spirit MC, and though his record is not good there are lots of Korean fighters coming up.

Miyata promised me to go for a KO in his next fight, he has been working hard on his striking so look for an even more agressive Miyata to enter the ring this time! This fight will be at 67kg, and Miyata is hoping to get down to featherweight at 65kg.

Also announced is the fight between Naoki Matsuchita and Korean Baek Won Sik (?)

Kazuyuki Miyata 5-7-0 vs. 2-5-0 Jae Hyun So
Naoki Matsushita 9-10-9 vs. Baek Won Sik (?)

Previously Announced:
Lightweight Title Fight:
Katsunori Kikuno 10-1-1 vs. 7-1-0 Koichiro Matsumoto

Miku Matsumoto vs. 5-2-0 Nicdali "The Nightqueen" Calanic
Ryuki Ueyama 9-11-4 vs. 24-29-10 Kousei Kubota
Yuji Sakurai 9-14-1 vs. 2-6-1 Minoru Kato
Seigo Mizuguchi 4-4-0 vs. 2-3-0 Waka Arash

Participants:
Hiromitsu Kanehara 16-22-1
Toshiaki Kitada 7-4-2
Tomoya Miyashita 9-5-5

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4/16 DEEP 41 - Fights Announced

Deep 41 should be another good DEEP event. It was announced yesterday that DEEP 52kg champion Miku Matsumoto will take on an American fighter in Nicdali Calanic. Japanese media is very interested in this fight, despite it being a non-title fight. Miku is on a 9 fight winning streak and have also done well in Shoot Boxing lately.

There is also a lightweight title fight announced, the new champion will be deceided between Katsunori Kikuno and Koichiro Matsumoto. These are 2 fighters that have been in great shape lately, and it should be a good fight.

Announced as a participant is Hiromitsu Kanehara, the veteran of Pancrase, Pride and Rings will be making his DEEP debut. And he will be hungry, having only won 1 of his last 15(!) fights.

I am also hearing rumors of a big name Japanese fighter maybe being added to this card.

Announced:
Lightweight Title Fight:
Katsunori Kikuno 10-1-1 vs. 7-1-0 Koichiro Matsumoto

Miku Matsumoto vs. 5-2-0 Nicdali "The Nightqueen" Calanic
Ryuki Ueyama 9-11-4 vs. 24-29-10 Kousei Kubota
Yuji Sakurai 9-14-1 vs. 2-6-1 Minoru Kato
Seigo Mizuguchi 4-4-0 vs. 2-3-0 Waka Arashi

Participants:
Hiromitsu Kanehara 16-22-1
Toshiaki Kitada 7-4-2
Tomoya Miyashita 9-5-5

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2/20 DEEP 40 - LIVE RESULTS

A good DEEP card in Korakuen Hall today. I will be there and if everything goes to plan, I will give you the results live. I will try to get some comments about the fights added too, but there will be no PBP. I am taking pictures, so it would just be too much.

There are several interesting fights on here, the winner of the main event will qualify for the DREAM welterweight GP.

Riki Fukuda and the veteran Ryuta Sakurai will square off to see who will be the next challenger for the DEEP Middleweight title, currently held by Yuichi Nakanishi.

Future Fights:
1. Muneyuki Sato Def. Yasuhiro Motomura by TKO Round 1 4:06
Muneyuki Sato is bloody and had to be checked by the doctors a couple of times, but he shows a lot of heart and get a TKO win.

2. Hideto Kondo vs. 2-3-0 Hiroshi Kobayashi DRAW
There are no decisions in the future fights, otherwise Mach Dojo' Kondo would have gotten this.

Main-Card:
3. 65.8kg: Naohiro Mizuno Def. Hiroto by Decision 3-0

4. 70.3kg: Kota Okazawa Def. Yuki Ito by Decision 2-0
Okazawa was the better fighter on the ground and he was able to take it there on will.

5. 77.1kg: Hiroki Nagaoka Def. Yoshitomo Watanabe by Decision 3-0

6. 93kg: Shunsuke Inoue 4-3-1 vs. 2-6-0 Minoru Kato DRAW
Inoue was getting the takedowns in round 1, Kato got in some good shots using his distance. Round 2 Inoue got tired.

7. Open: Kazuhisa Tazawa Def. Tim "Big Perm" Persey by Arm-Triangle Round 1 2:55
An entertaining fight, Tazawa is able to take Persey down and choke him out with an arm-triangle. Persey had the better of the fight early, but looked like he got tired.

8. 77.1kg: Hidehiko Hasegawa Def. Makoto Ishikawa by Decision 3-0


There is a 10 minute break and it was announced that Mitsuhiro Ishida and Daisuke Nakamura will face off at DREAM 7, I THINK!!! I am a little drunk and was not paying too much attention, but thats what it looked like.

Lightweight Tournament:
9. Koichiro Matsumoto Def. Jutaro Nakao by Decision 3-0
Matsumoto kicked the crap out of Nakao's right leg, a good stretegic victory.

10. Katsunori Kikuno Def. Bu Kyung Jung by TKO Round 1 4:15
Bu Kyung Jung cant buy a win... Kinkuno finds the opening with left high-kicks and Jung is not defending. After 3 he goes down for good.


Next DEEP Middleweight Challenger:
11. Riki Fukuda Def. Ryuta Sakurai by TKO Round 1 0:45
Very Quick win.

Main Event - DREAM Welterweight GP Qualifier:
12. Seichi Ikemoto Def. Hidetaka Monma by TKO Round 1 1:42
The DEEP Champion is in the DREAM welterweight GP!!

Read more...

2/20 DEEP 40 - Weigh-in

DEEP is putting on a very good card tomorrow. I will be there and give you live results again.

The main event on this card is a DREAM welterweight GP qualifier between 2 very experienced fighters in Seichi Ikemoto and Hidetaka Monma. It should be a good fight, but with a GP entry on the line they will come out hard.

Also on the card is a fight between 2 DEEP veterans in Riki Fukuda and Ryuta Sakurai. This is a rematch from DEEP 34, on that occation Riki Fukuda won the decision.

As if that wasnt enough, there is a lightweight tournament on the card as well. This is a 4 man tournament and the winner will walk home with the lightweight title. The final will be held in April.

Main Event - DREAM Welterweight GP Qualifier:
Seichi Ikemoto 75.6kg
Hidetaka Monma 75.7kg

Next DEEP Middleweight Challenger:
Riki Fukuda 83.9kg
Ryuta Sakurai 83.7kg

Lightweight Tournament:
Katsunori Kikuno 70.0kg
Bu Kyung Jung 69.7kg

Lightweight Tournament:
Jutaro Nakao 70.3kg
Koichiro Matsumoto 69.8kg

8. 77.1kg:
Hidehiko Hasegawa 77.1kg
Makoto Ishikawa 77.1kg

7. Open:
Kazuhisa Tazawa 123kg
Tim "Big Perm" Persey 134kg

6. 93kg:
Shunsuke Inoue 92.1kg
Minoru Kato 92.3kg

5. 77.1kg:
Hiroki Nagaoka 76.5
Yoshitomo Watanabe 76.9kg

4. 70.3kg:
Yuki Ito 70.3kg
Kota Okazawa 70.1kg

3. 65.8kg:
Hiroto 65.5kg
Naohiro Mizuno 65.3kg

Future Fights:
2. Hideto Sato vs. 2-3-0 Hiroshi Kobayashi
1. Muneyuki Sato 2-2-0 vs. 0-2-0 Yasuhiro Motomura

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2/20 DEEP Impact 40 - Fight Order

DEEP have announced the fight order for DEEP 40. For the 2nd year running, I will celebrate my birthday (even though it is not on the day) at DEEP. It looks like a very good card, not as many fights as normal but the quality is very high. I will be doing live updates, while taking pictures and drinking beers (will be a busy one).

This card is full of good fights, but the main event will be the DREAM welterweight GP qualifier between DEEP welterweight champion Seichi Ikemoto and Hidetaka Monma.

Before that, Riki Fukuda and Ryuta Sakurai (the two guys that were the favorites to win the tournament last year), will fight to deceide who gets to challenge the champion Yuichi Nakanishi next. It is almost a year, to the day since they met in the DEEP middleweight tournament. On that occation, Riki Fukuda came out on top.

In addition to that, there is a lightweight tournament on the card (final will be in April), and the former welterweight champion Hidehiko Hasegawa will also fight.

Main Event - DREAM Welterweight GP Qualifier:
12. Seichi Ikemoto 17-14-5 vs. 15-8-3 Hidetaka Monma

Next DEEP Middleweight Challenger:
11. Riki Fukuda 12-4-0 vs. 18-14-4 Ryuta Sakurai

Lightweight Tournament:
10. Katsunori Kikuno 9-1-1 vs. 0-3-0 Bu Kyung Jung
9. Jutaro Nakao 22-13-4 vs. 6-1-0 Koichiro Matsumoto

8. 77.1kg: Hidehiko Hasegawa 15-11-5 vs. 11-9-1 Makoto Ishikawa
7. Open: Kazuhisa Tazawa 3-0-1 vs. 9-2-0 Tim "Big Perm" Persey
6. 93kg: Shunsuke Inoue 4-3-1 vs. 2-6-0 Minoru Kato
5. 77.1kg: Hiroki Nagaoka 12-13-8 vs. 6-8-2 Yoshitomo Watanabe
4. 70.3kg: Yuki Ito 7-2-3 vs. 4-1-2 Kota Okazawa
3. 65.8kg: Hiroto 6-1-0 vs. 4-2-0 Naohiro Mizuno

Future Fights:
2. Hideto Sato vs. 2-3-0 Hiroshi Kobayashi
1. Muneyuki Sato 2-2-0 vs. 0-2-0 Yasuhiro Motomura

Read more...