Report: DREAM Exploring Bout Between Shinya Aoki and Kazushi Sakuraba
By FCF Staff
Although DREAM has yet to promote an event in 2012, the Japanese promotion may be exploring a bout between two of that nation’s biggest stars, as the organization is reportedly trying to sign Shinya Aoki versus Kazushi Sakuraba.
While DREAM has not made any official announcement regarding the fight, according to a report from Bloody Elbow.com, sources have informed the outlet that at least one of the fighters has agreed to the bout. Fight Sport Asia.com was the first to pass along news that the fight was rumoured.
If the bout takes place, it will likely be contested at welterweight.
Aoki (30-6), who is DREAM’s reigning lightweight champion, is coming off a first round, stoppage loss to Eddie Alvarez at Bellator 66 last month.
The 29 year-old-fighter had won seven straight fights prior to the loss, which included victories over established fighters like Tatsuya Kawajiri, Rich Clementi and Satoru Kitaoka.
The 42 year-old Sakuraba (26-16) has lost four consecutive bouts and hasn’t won a fight since October, 2009, when the aging star submitted Zelg Galesic at DREAM 12.