Harrie Nak
08-03-2010, 16:27
Earlier today FEG officials confirmed at the DREAM press conference that DREAM lightweight champion Shinya Aoki (23-4) will take on Gilbert Melendez (17-2) for the Strikeforce lightweight title in April. Also announced, was Strikeforce welterweight champion Nick Diaz (21-7) (through the partnership Strikeforce and DREAM have) will likely fight for DREAM in May.
DREAM lightweight champion Shinya Aoki revealed last night at the press conference that he will not be wearing his spandex tights against Melendez. Aoki also made it clear that he will defend his DREAM lightweight title against #1 contender Tatsuya Kawajiri down the road.
"I appreciate the offer of a title match, I am genuinely happy," Aoki said. Having always claimed that Japan is at the top of the MMA world, I have no choice but to go compete in the US. I will just step in and walk right out with a submission victory and prove that the DREAM champion is number one in the world. I will restore the glory of Pride's heyday with Dream. I will greet you all with a belt next time."
"Gilbert Melendez is the Strikeforce champion and therefore a world class fighter," Aoki continued. I consider myself a top fighter in the world, so he is a very attractive opponent. I think our fight will leave both Japanese and American fans fully sated. Though Strikeforce rules allow elbow strikes on he feet, it is not a radical change from Pride and DREAM rules. I will be fighting in a cage for the first time, but I watch a lot of fights that take place in the cage and my level of geekery in the realm is peerless among Japanese fighters. Besides, my skillset transceneds the ring/cage brrier and I always have my eyes on the world. Yes, I will have to take off my tights. I think the prospect of being able to see my bare legs is attractive, so I want the fans to come all the way to the US for it."
Nick Diaz was announced that he'd make his long awaited return to DREAM in May. Diaz however, has not fought on Japanese soil, since DREAM 3 where he claims that DREAM did not pay him for his welterweight fight with Katsuya Inoue. Diaz has since defeated the DREAM welterweight champion Marius Zaromskis by technical knock out in round one to capture the vacant Strikeforce welterweight title.
Eindelijk Diaz vs. Sakurai wellicht? :)
DREAM lightweight champion Shinya Aoki revealed last night at the press conference that he will not be wearing his spandex tights against Melendez. Aoki also made it clear that he will defend his DREAM lightweight title against #1 contender Tatsuya Kawajiri down the road.
"I appreciate the offer of a title match, I am genuinely happy," Aoki said. Having always claimed that Japan is at the top of the MMA world, I have no choice but to go compete in the US. I will just step in and walk right out with a submission victory and prove that the DREAM champion is number one in the world. I will restore the glory of Pride's heyday with Dream. I will greet you all with a belt next time."
"Gilbert Melendez is the Strikeforce champion and therefore a world class fighter," Aoki continued. I consider myself a top fighter in the world, so he is a very attractive opponent. I think our fight will leave both Japanese and American fans fully sated. Though Strikeforce rules allow elbow strikes on he feet, it is not a radical change from Pride and DREAM rules. I will be fighting in a cage for the first time, but I watch a lot of fights that take place in the cage and my level of geekery in the realm is peerless among Japanese fighters. Besides, my skillset transceneds the ring/cage brrier and I always have my eyes on the world. Yes, I will have to take off my tights. I think the prospect of being able to see my bare legs is attractive, so I want the fans to come all the way to the US for it."
Nick Diaz was announced that he'd make his long awaited return to DREAM in May. Diaz however, has not fought on Japanese soil, since DREAM 3 where he claims that DREAM did not pay him for his welterweight fight with Katsuya Inoue. Diaz has since defeated the DREAM welterweight champion Marius Zaromskis by technical knock out in round one to capture the vacant Strikeforce welterweight title.
Eindelijk Diaz vs. Sakurai wellicht? :)