Joachim Hansen vs Shinya Aoki rubbermatch confirmed for DREAM 11 on Oct. 6
http://mmamania.com/2009/08/05/joachim-hansen-vs-shinya-aoki-rubbermatch-confirmed-for-dream-11-on-oct-6/We all knew it was coming. And today Fighting and Entertainment Group (FEG) made it official.
Grappling sensation Shinya Aoki is set to do battle with DREAM 2008 lightweight grand prix winner Joachim Hansen for the promotion’s lightweight strap at DREAM 11 from the Yokohama Arena in Yokohama, Japan, on Oct. 6.
The pair has faced off twice before, both claiming a victory against one another. Now a rubber match is in place for one of the combatants to get the upper hand on the scorecard.
Hansen hasn’t competed since his last clash with Aoki in the summer of 2008. The Norwegian brawler was set to throw down with highly regarded lightweight standout Gesias “JZ” Calvancante in a non-title bout at “FieLDS Dynamite!! 2008″ on New Years Eve.
However, “Hell Boy” failed pre-fight medicals and was forced to pull out of the fight with a mysterious “head injury” just hours before the event.
He was apparently back to full fitness and ready to battle Aoki at DREAM 10, which took place just last month. The bout was officially announced, but Hansen was abruptly pulled from the card by DREAM officials and Vitor Ribeiro inserted in his place. Aoki went on to earn a decision.
Now it appears whatever problems between Hansen and DREAM have now subsided, though it wouldn’t be at all surprising if they re-emerged and more mysterious shenanigans take place before we reach Oct. 6.
Fingers crossed.
DREAM 11 will host to the conclusion of the featherweight grand prix and the “Super Hulk” open weight tournament semifinals.
Here is the current line-up for DREAM 11:
DREAM lightweight title:
Joachim Hansen (19-7-1) vs. Shinya Aoki (21-4)
DREAM middleweight title:
Jason Miller (22-6) vs. Ronaldo Souza (10-2)
Featherweight grand prix semifinals:
Joe Warren (2-0) vs. Bibiano Fernandes (5-2)
Hiroyuki Takaya (11-6-1) vs. Hideo Tokoro (22-16-1)
Featherweight grand prix reserve bout:
Kazuyuki Miyata (7-7) vs. Daiki Hata (11-5-3).
“Super Hulk” open weight grand prix semifinals:
Hong Man-Choi (2-2) vs. Ikuhisa Minowa (42-30-8)
Gegard Mousasi (25-2-1) vs. Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou (6-4)
Non-tournament bout:
Zelg Galesic (9-4) vs. Andrews Nakahara (2-1)
