1/8 DEEP Mayhem in Macao!

Since its been a while since I have been posting, I have the privilage of being able to chose news that are a bit old. Here is one of them, DEEP is going to Macao in January. The venue will be the Macao Venetian Hotel Resort.

The main even for this one will be the DEEP Megaton title. Also on the card, in non-title fights are the DEEP bantamweight champion Masakazu Imanari and DEEP welterweight champion Yuya Shirai.

BJJ black belt, Marcos Souza will be making his MMA debut (as far as I know) but he should be no stranger to DEEP fans. Last year he took on and defeated Motoki Miyazawa in DEEP X 04.

Another familiar name on the card is TUF 5 veteran Andy Wang.

9. Main-Event: DEEP Megaton Title Fight:
Yusuke Kawaguchi 13-3-0 vs. 6-1-1 Kazuhisa Tazawa

8. Masakazu Imanari 21-7-2 vs. 0-1-0 Jae Hun Moon
7. Yuya Shirai 20-8-0 vs. 0-1-0 Jeong Gyo Park
6. Ryuta Sakurai 20-16-6 vs. 2-3-0 Yoann Gouaida
5. Saori Ishioka 11-5-0 vs. 1-0-0 Ann Wongkhamma
4. Yasushi Kitazaki 10-7-1 vs. 7-7-1 Andy Wang
3. Luiz Andrade I 12-8-3 vs. 4-3-0 Rodrigo Caporal
2. Marcos “Marquinhos” Souza vs. 0-1-0 Alex “Dragon Slayer” Niu
1. Quinton Arendse 1-1-0 vs. Ye Won Nam.

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12/19 DEEP Cage Impact 2009 - RESULTS

The event is underway, will update the results as soon as I can here.

The 1st part is finished, with fighters like Imanari and Atsushi Yamamoto. Spoilers if you read on.

The attendence at this event is reported to be 1764, that means Differ Ariake was packed!

Sherdog is doing a live PBP here.

Part 2 - Main Event:
9. 70.3kg (3x5min): Nobuhiro Obiya Def. Toshikazu "ISE" Iseno by TKO Round 2 1:49

8. 65.8kg (3x5min): Takeshi Yamazaki vs. Toshiaki Kitada 1-1 Draw
7. 83.9kg (2x5min): Ryuta Sakurai Def. Hiroki Sato by KO Round 1
6. 93kg (2x5min): Bernard Ackah Def. Shunji Kosaka by TKO Round 1 0:34
5. Kick-Rule 62kg (3x3min): Yoshiki Harada Def. Kick ☆ by TKO Round 1 2:18
4. 70.3kg (2x5min): Naoki Matsushita Def. Yuki Ito by TKO Round 1 3:05
3. Open (2x5min): Hirohide Fujinuma Def. Makoto by TKO Round 1 2:50
2. 62kg (2x5min): Hiryu Okamoto Def. Kaiji Hirano by decision 3-0

Opening Fight:
1. 70.3kg (2x5min): Yasuhiro Kawasaki Def. Mitsuru "Mike" Yamaguchi by TKO Round 1 3:03


Part 1 - Main Event:
9. 62kg (3x5kg): Masakazu Imanari Def. Justin "The Shocker" Cruz by facelock Round 1 2:39

8. Open (3x5min): Yusuke Kawaguchi Def. Roque Martinez by Decision 3-0
7. 63kg (3x5min): Atsushi Yamamoto Def. Tomoya Miyashita by Decision 3-0
6. 77.1kg (2x5kg): Eiji Ishikawa Def. Yoshitomo Watanabe by Decision 2-0
5. 65.8kg (2x5kg): Koichiro Matsumoto Def. Isamu Sugiuchi by Decision 3-0
4. 77.1kg (2x5min): Kenta Takagi Def. Teruhiko Kubo by TKO (doctor stop) Round 1 3:54
3. 70.3kg (2x5min): Sadao Kondo Def. Atsuhiro Tsuboi by Decision 3-0
2. 65.8kg (2x5kg): Yasuhiro Motomura 2-3-0 vs. Kil Yon Bok

Opening Fight:
1. 65.8kg: Yu Def. Koji Kashikura by TKO Round 1

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12/19 DEEP Cage Impact 2009 - Fight Order (Sold out!)

The DEEP Cage Impact event tickets were selling very fast, and now its sold out! No wonder, there are lots of good fights on the card and it will be interesting to see what the DEEP cage looks like.

Since there are 2 parts, there will be 2 main events also.

Part 1 is highlighted by DEEP champion and favorite Masakazu Imanari who will take on Justin "The Shocker" Cruz. Also another fighter from Guam has taken the trip to Japan to take part in this event, Roque Martinez is taking on DEEP Megaton champion Yusuke Kawaguchi.

The 2nd part is headlined by former champion Nobuhiro Obiya taking on "ISE".

Thats just a few of the 18 fights on the card! Other fighters on the card include Atsushi Yamamoto, Takeshi Yamazaki, Toshiaki Kitada, Bernard Ackah and Koichiro Matsumoto.

Part 2 - Main Event:
9. 70.3kg (3x5min): Nobuhiro Obiya 10-3-1 vs. 7-5-2 Toshikazu "ISE" Iseno

8. 65.8kg (3x5min): Takeshi Yamazaki 14-10-2 vs. 10-4-2 Toshiaki Kitada
7. 83.9kg (2x5min): Ryuta Sakurai 19-15-5 vs. 3-3-4 Makoto "Hiroki" Miyazawa
6. 93kg (2x5min): Bernard Ackah 3-3-0 vs. 4-1-1 Shunji Kosaka
5. Kick-Rule 62kg (3x3min): Kick ☆ vs. Yoshiki Harada
4. 70.3kg (2x5min): Naoki Matsushita 11-12-9 vs. 7-4-8 Yuki Ito）
3. Open (2x5min): Hirohide Fujinuma 6-4-2 vs. Inochi (?)
2. 62kg (2x5min): Hiryu Okamoto 3-3-1 vs. 2-1-0 Kaiji Hirano

Opening Fight:
1. 70.3kg (2x5min): Yasuhiro Kawasaki 3-1-1 vs. 1-0-0 Mitsuru "Mike" Yamaguchi


Part 1 - Main Event:
9. 62kg (3x5kg): Masakazu Imanari 17-7-2 vs. 13-3-0 Justin "The Shocker" Cruz

8. Open (3x5min): Yusuke Kawaguchi 10-1-0 vs. 5-1-0 Roque Martinez
7. 63kg (3x5min): Atsushi Yamamoto 13-6-1 vs. 16-6-8 Tomoya Miyashita
6. 77.1kg (2x5kg): Eiji Ishikawa 17-15-2 vs. 7-9-2 Yoshitomo Watanabe
5. 65.8kg (2x5kg): Koichiro Matsumoto 8-2-0 vs. 8-8-3 Isamu Sugiuchi
4. 77.1kg (2x5min): Teruhiko Kubo 8-9-1 vs. 4-2-0 Kenta Takagi
3. 70.3kg (2x5min): Atsuhiro Tsuboi 6-12-4 vs. 4-0-1 Sadao Kondo
2. 65.8kg (2x5kg): Yasuhiro Motomura 2-3-0 vs. Korean Fighter

Opening Fight:
1. 65.8kg: Yu vs. Koji Kashikura

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12/19 DEEP Cage Impact 2009 - Fights Announced

Tomoya Miyashita will be trying to build on his win streak, he defeated Keisuke Fujiwara in the Dream cage, now he gets a shot at another Dream veteran in Atsushi Yamamoto. This should be a very interesting fight .

Also the matchup between Takeshi Yamazaki and Toshiaki Kitada should be very competitive.

Also added to the card is the fight between Koichiro Matsumoto and Isamu Sugiuchi. Sugiuchi has not won in over 2 years and this is another tough fight for him here.

The tickets for this event is selling fast:
VIP 20,000円　
Stage seat 15,000円　
SRS 10,000円　
Seat A 8,000円 (Sold out)
Seat B6,000円 (Sold out)
At the door add 500円

Added:
Atsushi Yamamoto 13-6-1 vs. 16-6-8 Tomoya Miyashita
Takeshi Yamazaki 14-10-2 vs. 10-4-2 Toshiaki Kitada
Koichiro Matsumoto 8-2-0 vs. 8-8-3 Isamu Sugiuchi

Previously Announced:
Nobuhiro Obiya 10-3-1 vs. 7-5-2 Toshikazu Iseno
Ryuta Sakurai 19-15-5 vs. 3-3-4 Makoto "Hiroki" Miyazawa
Eiji Ishikawa 17-15-2 vs. 7-9-2 Yoshitomo Watanabe
Hirohide Fujinuma 6-4-2 vs. Inochi (?)
Teruhiko Kubo 8-9-1 vs. 4-2-0 Kenta Takagi
Hiryu Okamoto 3-3-1 vs. 2-1-0 Kaiji Hirano
Yasuhiro Kawasaki 3-1-1 vs. 1-0-0 Mitsuru "Mike" Yamaguchi
Masakazu Imanari 17-7-2 vs. 13-3-0 Justin "The Shocker" Cruz
Yusuke Kawaguchi 10-1-0 vs. 5-1-0 Roque Martinez
Bernard Ackah 3-3-0 vs. 4-1-1 Shunji Kosaka
Naoki Matsushita 11-12-9 vs. 7-4-8 Yuki Ito
Atsuhiro Tsuboi 6-12-4 vs. 4-0-1 Sadao Kondo

Participants:
Yasuhiro Motomura 2-3-0
Kick Star

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12/19 DEEP Cage Impact 2009 - Obiya's Opponent Announced

DEEP have announced the oppoent for their former champion Nobuhiro Obiya, he took care of Barbaro44 in his last fight, and now in his 2nd fight since returning he is taking on Toshikazu Iseno.

This card should be very good, and interesting. DEEP will test their cage for the first time, and it will be in Differ Ariake. Many of their star fighters are on this card and it will be huge.

Announced today:
Nobuhiro Obiya 10-3-1 vs. 7-5-2 Toshikazu Iseno
Ryuta Sakurai 19-15-5 vs. 3-3-4 Makoto "Hiroki" Miyazawa
Eiji Ishikawa 17-15-2 vs. 7-9-2 Yoshitomo Watanabe
Hirohide Fujinuma 6-4-2 vs. Inochi (?)
Teruhiko Kubo 8-9-1 vs. 4-2-0 Kenta Takagi
Hiryu Okamoto 3-3-1 vs. 2-1-0 Kaiji Hirano
Yasuhiro Kawasaki 3-1-1 vs. 1-0-0 Mitsuru "Mike" Yamaguchi

Previously Announced:
Masakazu Imanari 17-7-2 vs. 13-3-0 Justin "The Shocker" Cruz
Yusuke Kawaguchi 10-1-0 vs. 5-1-0 Roque Martinez
Bernard Ackah 3-3-0 vs. 4-1-1 Shunji Kosaka
Naoki Matsushita 11-12-9 vs. 7-4-8 Yuki Ito
Atsuhiro Tsuboi 6-12-4 vs. 4-0-1 Sadao Kondo

Participants:
Takeshi Yamazaki 14-10-2
Koichiro Matsumoto 8-2-0
Toshiaki Kitada 10-4-2
Yasuhiro Motomura 2-3-0
...and more

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12/19 DEEP Cage Impact 2009 - Fights Announced

Deep announced the first few matchups for the DEEP Cage Impact card. It looks like there will be a bit of a Japan vs. Guam theme.

Some very interesting fights announced, DEEP will look to get a light-heavyweight champion and the Bernard Ackah against Shunji Kosaka will have a central role in this (I am guessing it is an eliminator for a title fight).

It will be a big event for DEEP and a lot of their star fighters will participate. Announced to make his return is Hirohide Fujinuma who last fought back in DEEP 23, almost 4 years ago. If I am not mistaken the last fight ended in a very nasty armbar.

Fights Announced:
Masakazu Imanari 17-7-2 vs. 13-3-0 Justin "The Shocker" Cruz
Yusuke Kawaguchi 10-1-0 vs. 5-1-0 Roque Martinez
Bernard Ackah 3-3-0 vs. 4-1-1 Shunji Kosaka
Naoki Matsushita 11-12-9 vs. 7-4-8 Yuki Ito
Atsuhiro Tsuboi 6-12-4 vs. 4-0-1 Sadao Kondo

Participants:
Nobuhiro Obiya 10-3-1
Ryuta Sakurai 19-15-5
Koichiro Matsumoto 8-2-0
Eiji Ishikawa 17-15-2
Toshikazu Iseno 7-5-2
Takeshi Yamazaki 14-10-2
Toshiaki Kitada 10-4-2
Yoshitomo Watanabe 7-9-2
Hirohide Fujinuma
Hiryu Okamoto
Yasuhiro Kawasaki
Yasuhiro Motomura
...and more

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12/19 DEEP Cage Impact 2009

One of the big news I have missed is the DEEP Cage Impact participants announced. This event will take place in Differ Ariake, not the usual Korakuen Hall.

Announced as participants are some very big DEEP names: Masakazu Imanari, Nobuhiro Obiya and Koichiro Matsumoto to name 3.

The cage for this event is a gold 8-sided cage and it will be rented out at a resonable price after his.

There are also changes to the rules in the cage: Elbows, stomps and soccerkicks are allowed except the opening fights.

Participants announced:
Nobuhiro Obiya 10-3-1
Masakazu Imanari 17-7-2
Bernard Ackah 3-3-0
Koichiro Matsumoto 8-2-0
Toshikazu Iseno 7-5-2
Takeshi Yamazaki 14-10-2
Eiji Ishikawa 17-15-2
Naoki Matsushita 11-12-9
Yuki Ito 7-4-8
Atsuhiro Tsuboi 6-12-4
Sadao Kondo 4-0-1

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8/23 DEEP 43 Impact - Results

DEEP 43 Impact is going on right now in Korakuen Hall. I wont be able to get these up live, but here are the results so far, I will update the rest later tonight.

13. 77.1kg: Ryo Chonan Def. Jutaro Nakao by Decision 3-0

DEEP Featherweight Title Fight:
12. Takafumi Otsuka Def. Dokonjonosuke Mishima by Decision 5-0

DEEP Bantamweight Title Fight:
11. Masakazu Imanari (champion) Def. Tomohiko Hori by Decision 5-0

10. 93kg: Bernard Ackah Def. Ryushi Yanagisawa by TKO Round 1
9. 65.8kg: Toshiaki Kitada Def. Zach Makovsky by rear-naked choke Round 1 4:22
8. 65.8kg: Koichiro Matsumoto Def. Shunichi Shimizu by Decision 3-0
7. 93kg: Hans Stringer Def. Yuji Sakuragi by TKO Round 2 2:11
6. 70.3kg: Won Sik Park Def. Yuichi Ikari by rear-naked choke Round 1 4:58
5. 77.1kg: Yoshitomo Watanabe Def. Zuzu by TKO Round 2 4:56
4. 77.1kg: Yuki Ito vs. Sadao Kondo Draw (1-0)

Future Fight:
3. 70kg: Yasuhiro Kawasaki Def. Tomoya Kato by Decision
2. 67kg: Masato Kataoka Def. Hideyuki Noru by arm-bar Round 12:45
1. 62kg: Tatsuya Tsuchida Def. KZ Round 1 3:01

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8/23 DEEP 43 Impact - Fight Order

Even if there are 2 title fights on this card, Ryo Chonan returning to DEEP = main event! He will face Jutaro Nakao on the way back to reclaiming his DEEP title and I think we will see him take on Fukuda for the title soon.

The 2 title fights on the card should be very interesting, UFC veteran Dokonjonosuke Mishima will be defending his featherweight title against the very talented Takafumi Otsuka . In the bantamweight division, champion Masakazu Imanari will be taking on the experienced Tomohiko Hori, who won the DEEP Protect cup to deserve his title shot. Both these fighters are coming off a loss and it will be interesting to see who comes out on top. Everyone knows what Imanari brings, its just so hard to deal with...

There are some very interesting fights that completes this card. Bernard Ackah continues his fight to again be included in the big leagues, this time taking on a fighter that has seen it all in Ryushi Yanagisawa.

In what might be the most interesting match-up of the night, Paraestra Chiba's Toshiaki Kitada will take on Philadelphia Fight Factory's Zach Makovsky.

Making his DEEP debut is a fighter that has done very well in ZST, Shunichi Shimizu. He will be taking on Koichiro Matsumoto in a fight that might very well end up being fight of the night.

Lots to look forward to in Korakuen Hall on August 23! There should still be tickets available.

****Correction****
Ryo Chonan is the former Middleweight champion, however seems to be fighting at welterweight now (something that I missed). It will be interesting to see if he stays at welterweight. In which case he should be challenging Ikemoto for the title.

13. 77.1kg: Ryo Chonan 15-10-0 vs. 22-14-4 Jutaro Nakao

DEEP Featherweight Title Fight:
12. Dokonjonosuke Mishima (champion) 19-6-2 vs. 8-4-1 Takafumi Otsuka

DEEP Bantamweight Title Fight:
11. Masakazu Imanari (champion) 16-7-1 vs. 10-4-3 Tomohiko Hori

10. 93kg: Bernard Ackah 2-3-0 vs. 24-23-9 Ryushi Yanagisawa
9. 65.8kg: Toshiaki Kitada 8-4-2 vs. 5-1-0 Zach Makovsky
8. 65.8kg: Koichiro Matsumoto 7-2-0 vs. 14-4-5 Shunichi Shimizu
7. 93kg: Yuji Sakuragi 10-14-1 vs. 8-4-1 Hans Stringer
6. 70.3kg: Yuichi Ikari 11-6-3 vs. 6-1-1 Won Sik Park
5. Yoshitomo Watanabe 6-9-2 vs. Zuzu
4. 77.1kg: Yuki Ito 7-3-3 vs. 4-0-0 Sadao Kondo

Future Fight:
3. 70kg: Yasuhiro Kawasaki 2-1-1 vs. 4-0-0 Tomoya Kato
2. 67kg: Masato Kataoka vs. Hideyuki Noru
1. 62kg: Tatsuya Tsuchida 3-3-0 vs. KZ

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8/23 DEEP 43 Impact - Ryo Chonan's Opponent Announced

DEEP had already announced 2 title fights for this card, and it was clear that Ryo Chonan would make his return to DEEP on this card. Chonan went 1-3 in his stay with the UFC and now he wants his belt back! Chonan had to vacate his DEEP title once he signed for the UFC, he has made it clear that he wants the title now held by Riki Fukuda back. His first opponent is the veteran Jutaro Nakao.

Also announced on this card is Bernard Ackah, but I had to rub my eyes and take a second look when I saw who he was fighting. It looks like Ryushi Yanagisawa will be making a return at the age of 37. This is a fighter that has fought all the legends (Randy, Fedor, Bas, you name it), but that was between 1993 and 2001. Will be awesome to see him back (finding it almost hard to believe)!

Allience's Yuki Ito will take on the very talented Sadao Kondo in what will be a very exciting fight.

Announced:
Ryo Chonan 15-10-0 vs. 22-14-4 Jutaro Nakao
Bernard Ackah 2-3-0 vs. 24-23-9 Ryushi Yanagisawa
Yuki Ito 7-3-3 vs. 4-0-0 Sadao Kondo

Future Fight:
Yasuhiro Kawasaki 2-1-1 vs. 4-0-0 Tomoya Kato

Previuosly Announced:
DEEP Bantamweight Title Fight:
Masakazu Imanari (champion) 16-7-1 vs. 10-4-3 Tomohiko Hori

DEEP Featherweight Title Fight:
Dokonjonosuke Mishima (champion) 19-6-2 vs. 8-4-1 Takafumi Otsuka

Participating:
Koichiro Matsumoto 7-2-0
Toshiaki Kitada 8-4-2
Yuji Sakuragi 10-14-1
Masato Kataoka

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8/23 DEEP 43 Impact - 2 Title Fights Announced

DEEP have announced the first couple of fights for DEEP 43, and it will be another awesome card! Already announced are 2 title fights in the most competitive DEEP divisions, bantam- and featherweight.

Both these divisions have world class champions, DREAM veteran Masakazu Imanari is the bantamweight champion and will take on Tomohiko Hori. Imanari is the favorite here, but Hori should not be taken lightly and Imanari is predictable.

The featherweight champion is the UFC and Pride veteran Dokonjonosuke Mishima, he is taking on DREAM veteran, the very talented Takafumi Otsuka. Mishima is a top fighter and defeated Imanari to claim the DEEP featherweight title. This will be a very good fight, both these fighters are very tough and fight with a lot of heart.

Also announced for the event is the return of the former DEEP middleweight champion, Ryo Chonan. He is returning from his short spell in the UFC and I am guessing a title fight with the new champion Riki Fukuda will be in the cards down the line. No opponent for DEEP 43 is announced yet.

Announced:
DEEP Bantamweight Title Fight:
Masakazu Imanari (champion) 16-7-1 vs. 10-4-3 Tomohiko Hori

DEEP Featherweight Title Fight:
Dokonjonosuke Mishima (champion) 19-6-2 vs. 8-4-1 Takafumi Otsuka

Participating:
Ryo Chonan 15-10-0

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5/26 DREAM 9 - Results

This is the first ever DREAM event that I have not been able to watch live, and I am only reading Play-by-Play from BloodyElbow.com. Of course there were lots of things to look forward to here, the SuperHulk Tournament got Minowa back where he loves to be, taking on the big guys.

Other things to look for in this event, a Middleweight title fight and 2nd round in the Featherweight GP. Don't forget about the lightweight battle between JZ and Kawajiri, it could determine the next challenger for the lightweight title (I am hearing rumors that there will be a title fight before this challenger gets his shot though).

There is a HUGE upset!!!! And a dramatric end...

A very interesting card, and there are spoilers if you read on.

Main-Event - Middleweight Title Fight:
10. Ronald "Jacare" Souza 10-2-0 vs. 22-6-0 Jason "Mayhem" Miller No Contest!
Jacare suffered an illegal soccer kick that opened a cut on his forehead. The doctors stopped the fight and it has been ruled a no contest.

Featherweight GP Round 2:
9. Joe Warren Def. Norifumi "Kid" Yamamoto by split decision!!!
8. Bibiano Fernandes Def. Masakazu Imanari by Decision 3-0
7. Hiroyuki Takaya Def. Yoshiro Maeda by TKO Round 1

In the intermission, the following fights are announced for DREAM 10:
Shinya Aoki vs. Vitor "Shaolin" Ribeiro
Melvin Manhoef vs. Paulo Filho
Unconfirmed: Katsunori Kikuno vs. Andre "Dida" Amade

6. Hideo Tokoro Def. Abel Cullum by rear-naked choke Round 2

No-Tournament:
5. Light: Tatsuya Kawajiri Def. Gesias "JZ" Calvancante by Decision 3-0

Super Hulk Tournament:
4. Gegard Mousasi Def. Mark Hunt by Kimura Round 1
3. Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou Def. Jan “The Giant” Nortje by TKO Round 1
2. Choi Hong Man Def. Jose Canseco by Strikes (tapout) Round 1
1. Ikuhisa Minowa Def. Bob Sapp by Achilles Lock Round 1

vg

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5/26 DREAM 9 - Fight Order

DREAM has been early with the fight order this time, and this event will be a bit different than the previous DREAM events, thanks to the addition of the "Super Hulk Tournamnet". FEG have also announced ticket discounts for fans who go to both DREAM 9 and 10. They are clearly trying to appeal more to the casual fans with these additions.

The event has many interesting fights though. "Kid" is returning, and I was expecting him to return to a main event. But there is a title fight on the card, so it will rightly take the spot as the main event.

"Kid" is taking on the American wrestler, Joe Warren, in the 2nd round of the featherweight tournement. It will be interesting to see if ring rust will play a part in his return from injury.

The main event is the DREAM Middleweight title fight between "Jacare" and crowd favorite "Mayhem" Miller (they are both crowd favorties though). The title was vacated by Gegard Mousasi, because he is moving up in weight.

Mousasi might be moving up in weight, but he is still a lightweight in thee Super Hulk Tournament where he will be taking on Mark Hunt in the 1st round. Hunt was once considered one of the top heavyweights in the world, now he is in desperate need of a win. Dispite having a big weight advantage over his opponent might still be considered the underdog in this fight.

Minowaman will be in the opening fight, it is becoming something of a tradition for him. This time he is back to taking on much bigger opponents, this time its Bob Sapp and I am sure they will put on a show that will get the Japanese fans going.

Main-Event - Middleweight Title Fight:
10. Ronald "Jacare" Souza 10-2-0 vs. 22-6-0 Jason "Mayhem" Miller

Featherweight GP Round 2:
9. Norifumi "Kid" Yamamoto 17-1-0 vs. 1-0-0 Joe Warren
8. Masakazu Imanari 16-6-1 vs. 4-2-0 Bibiano Fernandes
7. Yoshiro Maeda 24-6-2 vs. 10-6-1 Hiroyuki Takaya
6. Hideo Tokoro 21-16-1 vs. 14-2-0 Abel Cullum

No-Tournament:
5. Light: Gesias "JZ" Calvancante 14-2-1 vs. Tatsuya "Crusher" Kawajiri

Super Hulk Tournament:
4. Gegard Mousasi 24-2-1 vs. 5-5-0 Mark Hunt
3. Jan “The Giant” Nortje 2-5-0 vs. 5-4-0 Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou
2. Choi Hong Man 1-2-0 vs. Jose Canseco
1. Ikuhisa Minowa 41-30-8 vs. 10-3-1 Bob Sapp

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5/26 DREAM 9 - Super Hulk Tournament

FEG have announced the Super Hulk Tournament. Round 1 will take place at DREAM 9, and is in some ways back to what the Japanese fans love. If you like "freakshow" fights, open weight tournament etc. This is the tournament for you!

3 of the fighters are taller than 2 meters, Minowaman will be the shortest at 1.75. Also making his MMA debut will be the former baseball star Jose Canseco. In 2005 Canseco made headlines by admitting using steroids while he was playing baseball.

Mark Hunt is also in this tournament, he will face Gegard Mousasi in the first round. Hunt was at one time ranked among the worlds top heavyweights, and will be desperate for a win here after 4 straight losses.

The rules will be "DREAM based", so expect a bit different rules.

This card will also see the featherweight 2nd round, and FEG are really going all out. They are desperate to improve on their TV ratings and it is looking like a very interesting event that I think will draw casual fans as well.

Super Hulk Tournament:
Ikuhisa Minowa 41-30-8 vs. 10-3-1 Bob Sapp
Jan “The Giant” Nortje 2-5-0 vs. 5-4-0 Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou
Gegard Mousasi 24-2-1 vs. 5-5-0 Mark Hunt
Choi Hong Man 1-2-0 vs. Jose Canseco

Previously Announced:
Middleweight Title Fight:
Ronald "Jacare" Souza 10-2-0 vs. 22-6-0 Jason "Mayhem" Miller

Light: Gesias "JZ" Calvancante 14-2-1 vs. Tatsuya "Crusher" Kawajiri

Featherweight GP Round 2:
Norifumi "Kid" Yamamoto 17-1-0 vs. 1-0-0 Joe Warren
Hideo Tokoro 21-16-1 vs. 14-2-0 Abel Cullum
Yoshiro Maeda 24-6-2 vs. 10-6-1 Hiroyuki Takaya
Masakazu Imanari 16-6-1 vs. 4-2-0 Bibiano Fernandes

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5/26 DREAM 9 - Kawajiri vs. J.Z.

DREAM 9 will be held in Yokohama Arena on May 26. The card was already looking very good, and now FEG has announced another big fight that has been rumored for a while.

JZ Clavan is one of the most popular lightweights out there, and he will return to the ring after more than a year off. Last year he had a controversial loss to Shinya Aoki in the 1st round in the lightweight GP, they needed 2 attempts to get a result.

Tatsuya Kawajiri reached the semi-final in the same GP, and only Eddie Alvarez was able to deny him a spot in the final in a FOTY candidate.

This is a fight between two of the top lightweights out there and a very good addition to an already stacked card.

Added:
Light: Gesias "JZ" Calvancante 14-2-1 vs. Tatsuya "Crusher" Kawajiri

Previously Announced:Middleweight Title Fight:
Ronald "Jacare" Souza 10-2-0 vs. 22-6-0 Jason "Mayhem" Miller

Featherweight GP Round 2:
Norifumi "Kid" Yamamoto 17-1-0 vs. 1-0-0 Joe Warren
Hideo Tokoro 21-16-1 vs. 14-2-0 Abel Cullum
Yoshiro Maeda 24-6-2 vs. 10-6-1 Hiroyuki Takaya
Masakazu Imanari 16-6-1 vs. 4-2-0 Bibiano Fernandes

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5/26 DREAM 9 - Title Fight Announced

FEG have announced that Middleweight Champion Gegard Mousasi has vacated his title, it has been well known for a while that Mousasi was planning to move up in weight and DREAM needs a Middleweight champion.

They do have some very good candidates, and FEG have announced that 2 of the most popular fighters from their GP last year will fight for the title. Finalist Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza will take on crowd favorite Jason "Mayhem" Miller.

This card is looking very good now, and I would expect another

Added:
Middleweight Title Fight:
Ronald "Jacare" Souza 10-2-0 vs. 22-6-0 Jason "Mayhem" Miller

Previously Announced:
Featherweight GP Round 2:
Norifumi "Kid" Yamamoto 17-1-0 vs. 1-0-0 Joe Warren
Hideo Tokoro 21-16-1 vs. 14-2-0 Abel Cullum
Yoshiro Maeda 24-6-2 vs. 10-6-1 Hiroyuki Takaya
Masakazu Imanari 16-6-1 vs. 4-2-0 Bibiano Fernandes

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5/26 DREAM 9 - Featherweight Round 2 Announced, KID Returns!

FEG have announced that "KID" Yamamoto will make his return to the ring in this event, in the 2nd round of the featherweight GP he will face the wrestler Joe Warren. To be honest, it is as close to a dream opponent "Kid" could get, he has the wrestling experience and should be able to handle Warren in a MMA fight. However, "Kid" has not been in the ring since December 2007 and ring rust might come into play here.

Though I have a feeling the Yamamoto vs. Warren fight will be the main-event, there are some other very interesting matchups in the 2nd round.

DJ Taiki is not having much luck... The doctors have put a stopper to his advancement in this GP. He won a decision victory over Hideo Tokoro, but was injured in his qualifying fight with Shoji. I have a feeling the eye injury had not healed properly, and Tokoro will advance. Hideo Tokoro had his 1st round fight on April 5, he has to recover quickly to take on Abel Cullum.

2 fighters that are experienced at this level, Yoshiro Maeda and Hiroyuki Takaya, will face off in the 3rd fight announced.

The last fight announced is sure to get some attention, foot-lock specialist Masakazu Imanari is taking on the BJJ specialist Bibiano Fernandes. Both these fighters have a lot of fans in Japan, and around the world. This should be an interesting fight that I expect (or hope) will go to the ground early.

Featherweight GP Round 2:
Norifumi "Kid" Yamamoto 17-1-0 vs. 1-0-0 Joe Warren
Hideo Tokoro 21-16-1 vs. 14-2-0 Abel Cullum
Yoshiro Maeda 24-6-2 vs. 10-6-1 Hiroyuki Takaya
Masakazu Imanari 16-6-1 vs. 4-2-0 Bibiano Fernandes

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3/8 DREAM 7 - LIVE Results

I will be posting results and some short comments here. Am at home, enjoying the event live on SkyPerfect.

For play-by-play, Sherdog will do the honors, that means that I can sit back and relax with a few friends and beers.

If you have some questions relating to the event, please feel free to leave a comment (if you get an error message, click the "Post Comment" button again).

It should be a very good and exciting event, and it will start a couple of hours after the UFC event finishes (4PM Japan time).

Some background reading:
My preditions
Some Betting Odds (so many sites out there for this..)
Presenting the Featherweights (Sengoku and DREAM

Other sites to follow the event on:
Sherdog PbP
BloodyElbow

Spoilers if you read on!

The live broadcast has started, and we should soon be watching the first fight.

DREAM 7 is dedicated to the memory of Helio Gracie, both Kazushi Sakuraba and Yuki Nakai was in the ring to honor his memory.

Results:
1. Feather GP: Takafumi Otsuka 8-3-1 vs. 3-2-0 Bibiano Fernandes
The fighters are making their way to the ring, it looks like there would be no problem getting a ticket, but its still early. I think this might be one of the better fights though.

Round 1
Bibiano gets the takedown early, and is working for side control. Bibiano has been on top so far, but the damage is limited to some punches and the ref stands it up. Bibiano gets yellow card, and looks puzzled, the crowd agrees.
Otsuka looks nervous,and he has a bloody nose that seems to attract his attention. So far Bibiano should be ahead.

1st round is over and I think Otsuka has looked nervous. Bibiano won this round, but it is judged as one.

Round 2
Bibiano gets Otsukas back early in the 2nd, but Otsuka just stands up and is able to get out. IMO Otsuka is showing his skills only in defense today, normally he is a very offensive fighter and I think it looks like he is afraid of losing. Otsuka is hit with a knee that almost ends the fight, but he is able to continue to fight back.

This should be a decision to Bibiano.
The judges agree 3-0 Bibiano.

2. Feather GP: Chase Beebe 12-3-0 vs. Joe Warren
The fighters are in the ring.

Round 1
As expected, Joe Warren is going for takedowns, but so far is unable to make it stick. Chase is looking good on his feet so far. Beebe looks like he is getting tired in the 2nd half of the round and Warren is able to take him down. The momentum is changing a bit now. Beebe gets a big cut over his left eye from a knee, the end of the round was all Warren.

The doctor stops the fight due to the cut on Chase Beebe, Joe Warren wins his debut.

3. Feather GP: "Wicky" Akiyo Nishiura 9-3-1 vs. 13-2-0 Abel Cullum
The fighters are in the ring now, and "Wicky" is now known as the MMA Monkey.

Round 1
So far, Cullum has been very agressive and been able to take the fight to the ground. "Wicky" gets out of what looks like a very good arm-bar attempt, but Cullum is spending a lot of energy. "Wicky" is not able to get the space he needs to far. "Wicky" is very busy defending on the ground, this is a very good jiu-jitsu fight so far. Cullum has been cut by a knee and some counter punches, but he is still winning this fight so far. Cullum gets mount and this time makes it count, but "Wicky" scrambles and gets guard.

Round 2
Cullum has come in with a VERY good gameplan, the fight has been all ground so far and "Wicky" has not been able to get anything going. Finally "Wicky" gets something going, but the time is almost up.

"Wicky" got to show a little bit, but Cullum should get this decision in a very good fight. Cullum really showed that he is quality fighter.

Cullum gets the decision 3-0

4. Light: Mitsuhiro Ishida 17-4-1 vs. 19-9-0 Daisuke Nakamura
Round 1
This fight starts slow, Ishida is very careful in going forwards and then goes for a takedown. Nakamura is going for a Kimura. Nakamura scrambles, but Ishida gets out on top. Nakamura is very technical, but Ishida is showing strength is getting out of kimura attempt. Nakamura gets a small cut, looks like it is from the glove, not a puch. The doctor checks it, and the fight continues. This is turning into a ground fight with Nakamura on the bottom.

Round 2
The 2nd round is continuing like the first, Ishida is on top and Nakamura is scambling to get out. Nakamura is going for a leg-lock in the dying seconds, but time runs out. I would give this to Ishida.

Decision goes to Ishida 3-0

5. Welter: Shinya Aoki 19-3-0 vs. 16-10-0 David Gardner
Round 1
The fighters are standing off in the start, as expected Aoki goes for a takedown and gets mount. Like a spider Aoki takes the back and continues to work for a choke, Gardner fights it off so far. Gardner is able to get out and runs away to make Aoki stand up. Aoki quicky gets the back and Gardner deceides to say "hello Japan", Aoki uses that to sink in the choke and gets the submission by rear-naked choke. One of the most stupid things I have seen....

Break - No News...

6. Light: Ross Ebanez 19-6-0 vs. 22-5-2 Tatsuya Kawajiri
Fighters are entering the ring for the first after the break.

Round 1
Ebanez didnt make weight and gets yellow card. Kawajiri gets the takedown, as expected, but Ebanez is able to get back up. Kawajiri gets the back and attempts to get a rear-naked in. Eventually the rear-naked choke sinks in, a convinsing win by Kawajiri.

Kawajiri wants to fight JZ Calvan at DREAM 9! That would be an awesome fight!

7. Feather GP: Yoshiro Maeda 23-6-2 vs. 10-2-0 Micah Miller
Micah Miller comes in wearing long tights, dont know if he will wear them in the fight but this is one fight I have been looking forward to!

Round 1
Miller looks a lot taller than I expected. Maeda is running around the reach so far and they almost fall out of the ring. Maeda takes Miller (who is compered to Aoki by Japanese commentators) down. Maeda is not making much progress on top, Miller is showing off his guard. The ref stands it up and gives a yellow (I dont know who), the fight goes straight back to the ground, Miller on bottom. Miller goes for an omopalata, but Maeda gets out. The fights been all Miller so far.

Round 2
Miller looks a lot more tired than Maeda, but he is leading after the 1st round. Miller is tired but continues to go forward and try for takedowns. Maeda is still looking good and the fight could go either way. Just as the bell rings Miller has an arm-bar attempt going. I would give it to Miller.

Maeda gets the decision 3-0, and I am surprised!

8. Feather GP: Hiroyuki Takaya 9-6-1 vs. Kim Jong Won
Round 1
Looks like Won is not going for takedowns yet, but I expect that to change soon. Very quiet start to the fight. Takaya throws a body kick that allows Won to take him down, but it looks like Takaya will get right back up. The fight has been mainly standup, but very little action.

Round 2
Takaya closes in and a straight right hits the target. The ref steps in to save won as Takaya continues the GnP. Takaya by TKO.

Main-Event - Featherweight Round 1:
9. Masakazu Imanari 15-6-1 vs. 12-5-1 Atsushi Yamamoto
Round 1
Yamamoto shows he has power in his punches, but it only takes Imanari to the ground (where he wants to be). Imanari has Yamamoto in his guard, but is unable to do anything. He is going for a gogopalata, but the ref stands it up. Nothing really happens on the feet and Yamamoto gets another takedown. Imanari sweeps and gets on top, still no sign of a foot lock that everyone is expecting. Instead he goes for an arm-bar. Yamamoto gets out on top and is in Imanari's guard. Imanari continue to go for the gogopalata when the bell rings.

Round 2
Imanari gets another yellow as Yamamoto is on top and Imanari is inactive ont he bottom. Imanari is keeping his dstance, and to be honest its pretty boring. Yamamoto gets another takedown and is on top. Imanari uses the rubber guard, like he has all fight, and Yamamoto gets up. The fight ends with Yamamoto on top, like most of the fight, and he should get this decision.

Imanari get the decision 2-1!

Read more...

DREAM 7 - Predictions

I normally don't do this, but I am seeing that some fans think this is the weakest DREAM card yet. These things are always subjective, but I would wait until after the event to judge. The fact that you don't know the fighters doesn't make them bad... I see fighters on this card that I know nothing about, and that makes me more interested. FEG has seen them worthy of a spot, and I want to see if they can live up to that.

The real reason some fighters are lesser known is that few featherweights have, up until now, fought overseas. Also keep in mind that this GP is at 63.5kg, which might actually make it closer to a bantamweight GP (depending on what you are used to watching).

It is a long time since I have done this, but I will give you my predictions.

A word of warning: I suck at predicting fights, and you might do better going with the opposite picks of mine. I never put money on the fights and if you do, please base that on your own predicitions.

1. Feather GP: Takafumi Otsuka 8-3-1 vs. 3-2-0 Bibiano Fernandes
This match up looks awesome to me, Bibiano is famous for his jiu-jitsu and that is key here. Otsuka's base is wrestling, but he is a bred MMA fighter with few weaknesses.

Otsuka will try to keep this fight standing, but it will hit the ground at one point. Otsuka will try to make it later.

I think it will be an entertaining fight that will go the distance. If it does, I think its because Otsuka is successful and he gets the decision.

2. Feather GP: Chase Beebe 12-3-0 vs. Joe Warren
These are 2 fighters that I know virtually nothing about. Chase Beebe has the MMA experience, a veteran of WEC he lost his 2 last fights and will be looking to get back on the winning track.

Joe Warren, all I know is that he is a very good wrestler and has some solid training partners. Could he be another King Mo? We will have to wait and see, but he has everything to gain in this fight.

I would go for Chase Beebe, but its just because of his experience.

3. Feather GP: "Wicky" Akiyo Nishiura 9-3-1 vs. 13-2-0 Abel Cullum
Abel Cullum is another of the fighters I am looking forward to seeing here. I have seen a few of his fights and his jiu-jitsu is very good. The key here will be his take downs though.

"Wicky" is a guy that fans of Japanese MMA will be very familiar with, even though he will make his debut on the big stage tomorrow. "Wicky" is one of the more exciting and unorthodox fighters out there, and unusually for Japanese fighters, this guy does not want to go to the ground.

Key for "Wicky" will be to get into the right rhythm, and I think he will enjoy the big stage. Cullum needs to make his take downs stick, he does not want to stand with "Wicky".

I see Abel Cullum being hit late in round 1, and will predict a TKO win for "Wicky". Remember: 10 minutes 1st rounds.

4. Light: Mitsuhiro Ishida 17-4-1 vs. 19-9-0 Daisuke Nakamura
This is an awesome match-up, and a chance for Daisuke Nakamura to climp into the top 10 lightweights.

Ishida is a fighter that in some ways seems to fly under the radar, a very quiet and unassuming guy, but in the ring he means business. He has only been submitted once in his career, that was to Caol Uno in the DREAM tournament last year. He quickly redeemed himself by a spectacular fashion in his US debut.

Nakamura has quietly built an 8 fight winning streak, his last loss being to Vitor Ribeiro. He is a well rounded fighter, and is often involved in very exciting fights.

Key for Ishida will be to get Nakamura to the ground and I think he has the wrestling to do that, but once there he needs to keep Nakamura on his back. That is where he can start his GnP. I think Ishida's wrestling and strength will be too much for Nakamura. Ishida will get the decision.

5. Welter: Shinya Aoki 19-3-0 vs. 16-10-0 David Gardner
We are getting into 2 fights that I wont go into too much details... Everyone knows Shinya Aoki and what he will be looking to do, I know nothing about David Gardner.

Aoki will win this one by submission, I hope it will be something exciting.

I know what you are thinking, whats with this match-up??? It is because Aoki is fighting in the welterweight GP next month. It is worth noting that this fight is at welterweight.

Before the next fight, there is a short break. Look for welterweight GP news here.

6. Light: Ross Ebanez 19-6-0 vs. 22-5-2 Tatsuya Kawajiri
I have very little knowledge of Ross Ebanez, but I do know a bit about Kawajiri.

I hope Kawajiri pulls it together here. He will get the win, I hope its not be decision.

7. Feather GP: Yoshiro Maeda 23-6-2 vs. 10-2-0 Micah Miller
This match-up is very hard to predict for me, it makes it a good one. But I also have not seen enough of Micah Miller to know what Maeda is up against.

Maeda I think is a bit unpredictable and it seems to be against taller and aggressive fighters. Miller is taller, I don't know if he is aggressive enough.

This fight has delayed this post for a few days now, gut feeling says Miller will take it.

8. Feather GP: Hiroyuki Takaya 9-6-1 vs. Kim Jong Won
Hiroyuki Takaya is a very experienced fighter, he is taking on a Korean Judoka in Kim Jong Won. Won is making his MMA debut, and Dong Sik Yoon has said he is very impressed by his striking. I don't think he should try to strike his way to a win here though.

Hiroyuki Takaya will take this if he comes in shape, I am worried about his weight cutting "skills" (stamina) especially in the later part of round 1. Takaya by decision.

9. Masakazu Imanari 15-6-1 vs. 12-5-1 Atsushi Yamamoto
If you dont know what to expect fromt the main event, you have not followed Japanese MMA closely (and there is nothing wrong with that). Imanari is famous for his leg-locks, Yamamoto will try to keep this fight standing for as long as it takes to wreck Imanari's face (see the Tokoro fight).

Imanari is not going to waste time on his feet, look for him to dive in and go for a leg. The whole world will know what to expect here.

I see this fight ending in the first few minutes, it could be by a Yamamoto KO/TKO. More likely is a Imanari submission though.

Read more...

3/8 DREAM 7 - Fight Order

FEG have announced the fight order for Sunday's Featherweight GP Round 1. The main event is the fight between Masakazu Imanari and Atsushi Yamamoto, and I cant see it going the distance.

The night will be kicking off with a fight that I think might be fight of the night, Otsuka vs. Bibiano. It should be a close fight and I think it will be very entertaining.

This event is all about the featherweights, but there will be other big names on the card as well, including Tatsuya Kawajiri, Shinya Aoki and Mitsuhiro Ishida.

Main-Event - Featherweight Round 1:
9. Masakazu Imanari 15-6-1 vs. 12-5-1 Atsushi Yamamoto

8. Feather GP: Hiroyuki Takaya 9-6-1 vs. Kim Jong Won
7. Feather GP: Yoshiro Maeda 23-6-2 vs. 10-2-0 Micah Miller
6. Light: Ross Ebanez 19-6-0 vs. 22-5-2 Tatsuya Kawajiri

Break

5. Welter: Shinya Aoki 19-3-0 vs. 16-10-0 David Gardner
4. Light: Mitsuhiro Ishida 17-4-1 vs. 19-9-0 Daisuke Nakamura
3. Feather GP: "Wicky" Akiyo Nishiura 9-3-1 vs. 13-2-0 Abel Cullum
2. Feather GP: Chase Beebe 12-3-0 vs. Joe Warren
1. Feather GP: Takafumi Otsuka 8-3-1 vs. 3-2-0 Bibiano Fernandes

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