DREAM 18 Results

DREAM 18 Results

     Maybe it wasn't the most relevant of MMA events this year but it sure was good to have the Japanese MMA scene arise again in that beloved old Pride style.  The screaming announcers, the respectful crowd, the amazing aesthetics, and how beautiful it was to see knees to grounded opponents once again.  

              Tatsuya Kawajiri defeated Michihiro Omigawa via Unanimous Decision.  “Omigodwa” had nothin’ for “Crusher” who smothered his way to victory yet again.  If only we could get Kawajiri to test himself in America.

      Georgi Karakhanyan defeated Hiroyuki Takaya by Split-Decision.  Didn’t see it.

              Shinya Aoki submits Antonio McKee not with a choke but a Punch at 0:24 of the 2nd round.  Aoki looked good striking early but it was odd to see a single punch to the eye socket force McKee to tap instead of fighting on.  It could be a injury but Shinya gets the 4th TKO stoppage of his career hanging on to the DREAM Lightweight title which wasn’t on the line.

Bibiano Fernandes submits Yoshihiro Maeda by Triangle Choke at 1:46 into the 1st round.  “Flash” quickly locked on the choke and Maeda went out on his shield refusing to tap but entering the sleep zone in the process.  Next maybe Bibiano will defend his Bantamweight DREAM title.

Melvin Manhoef KO’d Denis Kang with a lightning quick knee to the body at 0:50 of round 1.  Mel threw a knee to the gut that put Kang face down on the mat and perhaps shitting his pants.  Manhoef has so much power but the fragile Kang isn’t known for showing much heart as he has been stopped 14 times now in his 16 losses.

Hayato Sakurai defeated Phil Baroni by Unanimous Decision.  The “NYBA” tried to wrestle “Mach” but couldn’t keep enough wind to do the job.  Sakurai slowly picked him apart with perhaps the help of a last second change to the bout in which the combatants went from needing to weigh-in at 172 bs. to 168 lbs.  Perhaps a little trickery on the part of DREAM to help the legend but a win none the less.

Marloes Coenen tapped Fiona Muxlow via Armbar at 3:29 of the 1st round.  It was a learning experience for the Aussie and another notch on the belt for the deadly “Rumina.”

Will Brooks has arrived impressively TKOing Satoru Kitaoka with Punches at 3:46 of round 2.  “Ill Will” showed no fear of the constant leg submission attack of Satoru calmly and strongly peppering the opponent with stout punches.  Kitaoka just could not get it going but credit Brooks who looks to be a true burgeoning talent that Bellator or the UFC should take note of.  

6-2 on the picks.