DREAM 14: Picks & Such

DREAM 14: May 29 On HDNET
Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan

Kazushi Sakuraba (26-12-1) vs. Ralek Gracie (2-0) The legendary "Gracie Hunter" is at it again with inexperienced nephew of Royce Gracie. Guess what, he likes Jiu-Jitsu and Saku is going to toy with him before he taps him out. Big win go home.

WINNER-Sakuraba by Rd.1 Submission

Nick Diaz (21-7) vs. Hayato "Mach" Sakurai (35-10-2) Now we get nasty quick as the soon to be suspended stateside Cesar Gracie student finally gets the hardcore MMA fans dream match with the legendary future 1st ballot Hall Of Famer "Mach" Sakurai. Hayato has fallen on harder times as he is now 35 with back to back losses while Diaz put the Strikeforce Welterweight title around his waist and is riding a 6 fight winning streak that's a who's who of MMA. I fully expect "Mach" to be more than game against Nick but he won't be able to keep pace or withstand the barrage of punches coming his way. A ground war would benefit Sakurai but Diaz should know by now to stand up and not leave fights to the judges.

WINNER-Nick Diaz Rd.3 TKO

Hiroyuki Takaya (12-8-1) vs. Joachim Hansen (19-9-1) "Streetfight Bancho" (without Lefty: Hey did you hear Willie Nelson cut his hair? That's crazy.) meets "Hellboy" in a war off wills on the feet. Takaya has dropped 2 in a row (1 being to Featherweight Champion Bibiano Fernandes) as has Hansen who lost to Lightweight Champion Shinya Aoki and Featherweight Champion (there he is again) Bibiano Fernandes so both men are so close to the top of the food chain they can almost taste it. A wild and wooly affair favors "Hellboy" and the eventual defeat via knees.

WINNER-"Hellboy" Hansen by Rd.2 TKO

Hideo Tokoro (26-21-1) vs. Akiyo "Wicky" Nishiura (10-5-1) Tokoro has a 1 fight winning streak from K-1 while "Wicky" is a bit odd and strange which are similar things. I'll take experience over crazy.

WINNER-Hideo Tokoro by late Submission

Kazuyuki Miyata (8-7) vs. Takafumi Otsuka (10-4-1) The "Fumer" is a decently rounded fighter and both men will be glad to take things to the judges.

WINNER-Mazda Miata by Decision

Yoshiro Maeda (26-8-2) vs. Kenji Osawa (15-9-2) is coming off a head kick KO loss.

WINNER-Osawa by Decision

Norifumi "Kid" Yamamoto (17-3) vs. Federico Lopez (4-2) We all await the return of the real "Kid" who returns from unheard of back to back Upset losses in what was a disasterous year for the Japanese superstar. "Kiko" serves as the testing rod for Yamamoto's comeback and will need some Team Quest L&P to keep things calm early. Me doubts his wrestling can hang and it's all day wherever I want Krazy Bee style.

WINNER-"Kid" Yamamoto by Rd.1 TKO

Ikuhisa Minowa (45-30-8) vs. Imani Lee (1-2) Imani Lee? IMANI LEE? Come on DREAM, at least make an effort for "Minowaman."

WINNER-"Punk" Minowa by Rd.1 Submission