DREAM 2008 Middleweight Grand Prix continues to take shape

by Chris Cosme on Mar 27, 2008 3:59 PM EDT

DREAM Middleweight Grand Prix
The Japanese-based DREAM mixed martial arts promotion recently announced three more bouts for its upcoming middleweight grand prix tournament slated for the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan, on April 29.

Fan favorites Denis Kang (29-9-1) and Kazushi Sakuraba (23-10-1) will take part in the competition albeit with separate opening-round opponents.

Kang -- who is coming off a knockout loss to Yoshihiro Akiyama -- will look to redeem himself as he goes up against Gerald Mousasi (20-2-1). Sakauraba, on the other hand, is riding a two-fight win streak after defeating Masakatsu Funaki (38-12-1) by armbar at K-1 Dynamite last New Year's Eve. He will take on Andrews Nakahara in the first round of the tournament.

In addition, a fight between Kioyshi Tamura and Masakatsu Funaki has been booked for the second-ever DREAM show next month.

Here's how the first round of the event currently shapes up:

Kazushi Sakauraba (23-10-1) vs. Andrews Nakahara (0-0-0)
Denis Kang (29-9-1) vs. Gerald Mousasi (20-2-1)
Kiyoshi Tamura (28-14-0) vs. Masakatsu Funaki (38-12-1)
Yoon Dong Sik vs. TBA
Yoshihiro Akiyama vs. TBA
Shungo Oyama vs. TBA
Kin Taiei vs. TBA
Minowaman vs. TBA
Dae Won Kim*
Mamed Khalidov*
Daniel Acacio*
Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza*

*Rumored participants

The DREAM 2008 Middleweight Grand Prix is shaping up to be a competitive event. It's going to be a great first round. Stay tuned for more details.

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Comments

Is there still no way to watch on TV in the states?

by bnf on Mar 27, 2008 4:19 PM EDT reply actions

so is dream gonna be the new pride or world victory. i thought world victory had signed barnett and gomi. it seems like it changes day to day. i think both org need to establish their own identity and def need to try and make their prescence felt in the u.s. if they ever wanna make a good go of it.

by b.w. on Mar 27, 2008 4:31 PM EDT reply actions

Is there still no way to watch on TV in the states?

I’d expect something from HDNet soon. That’s the rumor (fingers crossed).

by MMAmania on Mar 27, 2008 4:31 PM EDT reply actions

I’d expect something from HDNet soon. That’s the rumor (fingers crossed).

Sweet!

by bnf on Mar 27, 2008 4:41 PM EDT reply actions

I’d expect something from HDNet soon. That’s the rumor (fingers crossed).

I too heard that HDNet is close to hammering out a deal to air DREAM. Its supposed to be done in time to air DREAM’s 2nd event.
Fingers crossed is right!

by john on Mar 27, 2008 4:56 PM EDT reply actions

Would be very nice to get to see some of these bouts. Ever so slowly the talent pool is spreading and more people are putting on better shows. With most the companies willing to cooperate and the potential exodus from the UFC Heavy division this could quickly become a good year for excellent high profile fights. SWEET!!!

by wannabe on Mar 27, 2008 5:22 PM EDT reply actions