It took two fights for Shinya Aoki to defeat the uber-talented Gesias "JZ" Calvancante in the DREAM Lightweight Grand Prix - and he doesn't even get to advance to the next round for his efforts.
The "Tobikan Judan" was first injured against Calvancante in their initial meeting at DREAM 1 back in March when an illegal elbow from JZ put Aoki on his back and unable to continue.
The bout was ruled a no-contest and both fighters were slated to face off again at DREAM 2 last Tuesday to determine who would advance to the Grand Prix semifinals. Again, Aoki suffered a facial injury but this time was able to finish the fight and outpoint the Brazilian for the win.
Despite the victory, the injury is reportedly too severe to allow Aoki enough time to recover before the semifinals at DREAM 3 on May 11th - barely two weeks away.
The first choice for a replacement was of course Calvancante, but Sherdog.com is reporting that JZ was unable to reach acceptable terms with the organization and has already left Japan.
While surely a disappointment for Aoki, no question this development has DREAM officials in a panic, with just two weeks to find a suitable replacement.
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