FEG announces fight match-ups for 2009 DREAM Featherweight Grand Prix

Japan’s Fighting & Entertainment Group (FEG) today announced the fight match-ups for the 2009 DREAM Featherweight Grand Prix that will commence at DREAM 7 on March 8 from the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan.

DREAM’s featherweight class will be held at 63 kilograms (139 lbs.), considerably different to what has come to be the norm in the U.S. (145lbs).

Conspicuously absent from the first round is featherweight superstar Norifumi Yamamoto . “Kid” was offered a bye into the second round of the tournament at DREAM 9 in May in hopes that he will have recovered from a previous injury in time to compete.

Yamamoto (17-1) is in the midst of a 14-fight win streak, but has been plagued with injuries that have kept him on the sidelines since demolishing Rani Yahya at K-1 Premium Dynamite in December 2007.

He was expected to make his DREAM debut last July to face undefeated featherweight prospect Joseph Benavidez at DREAM 5. However three days before the fight while in training he attempted a flying knee maneuver and landed awkwardly on his right leg. This resulted in a partial tear of his anterior ligament that has kept him out of action ever since.

With the opening round not being completed until DREAM 8 on April 5, ‘Kid’ will have a considerable amount of time to prepare should he follow through with his commitment.

Then again, seeing him rub elbows with the WEC elite during one of Dana White’s previous video blogs can’t give DREAM event producer Keiichi Sasahara that warm, fuzzy feeling.

Also joining him in the virtual infirmary is Pancrase veteran Daika Hata (9-5-3). “DJ.taiki” is recovering from a recent eye injury and will complete the first round of the GP against Hideo Tokoro (21-15-1) at DREAM 8 on April 5.

Here is the complete line-up for the first round of the 2009 DREAM Featherwight Grand Prix:
DREAM 7:

Masakazu Imanari (15-6-1) vs. Atsushi Yamamoto (12-5-1)
Hiroyuki Takaya (9-6-1) vs. Jong Won Kim (0-0)
Yoshiro Maeda (23-6-2) vs. Micah Miller (10-2)
Chase Beebe (11-3) vs. Joe Warren (0-0)
Bibiano Fernandes (3-2) vs. Takafumi Otsuka (8-3-1)
Abel Cullum (13-2) vs. Akiyo Nishiura (9-3-1)

DREAM 8: