It looks like the Japanese have collaborated to provide all of us with an explosion of MMA news. Here's a rundown of the recent happenings overseas and a little analysis on each topic:
CroCop officially "let go" from UFC contract, signs on with DREAMS
It's official. Mirko has been let go from the UFC and has now signed with the new FEG/DSE promotion, DREAMS. The official announcement was made today in Tokyo, Japan at Metropolitan Edmont Hotel at a press conference that also went over other participants in the event as well as an event schedule. As mentioned in our previous article today, DREAMS has a solid lineup of Lightweights already on board. It looks like it will be the official comeback of the PRIDE-like format, as well as the PRIDE roster of fighters.
It also looks like the UFC was unable to renegotiate Mirko back down to a lower amount of money, so they let his $350,000 salary leave the promotion. Unfortunately for the UFC, the amount of heavyweight talent that has crept away from the promotion is becoming significant, and it could lead to another promotion picking up the pieces. Japan has 2 or 3 solid promotions now that are looking for more fighters to bring over. The UFC has some new competition.
World Victory Road announces Gomi vs. Ludwig, two other bouts
Takanori Gomi's first bout back after his long hiatus was announced this week. He'll take on Duane "Bang" Ludwig in what looks to be a standup war between the two fighters. It should be a decent battle even though Ludwig does have some weaknesses in his game that Gomi could potentially exploit. He's also considered to be the #1 Lightweight in the world.
Two other bouts were also announced. Bodog Champion Nick Thompson will take on Brazilian Fabricio Monteiro, and Ryo Kawamura will take on Antonio Braga Neto. Kawamura is a straight knockout fighter with some great ability to excite a crowd, and Neto is an undefeated prospect coming out of the Fury FC promotion. Thompson will finally move away from BodogFIGHT talent and take on someone talented in the 16-6 Monteiro. Two solid bouts that are decent undercard battles for WVR. The event is shaping up to be a quality card.
Check out our review of the DREAMS Lightweight Grand Prix as well.