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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