Akiyama Out Of DREAM GP

by Robert Sargent

Earlier today, Fight Entertainment Group announced that #9-ranked middleweight Yoshihiro Akiyama had re-injured his fractured nose and will be unable to compete in the opening round of the DREAM Middleweight Grand Prix.

The injury originally occurred in Akiyama's bout with Kazuo Misaki at "Yarennoka!" and officials stated that contact with the nose would result in profuse, fight-ending bleeding.

DREAM producer Keiichi Sasahara stated that it would be unlikely that Akiyama would receive a Bye into the second round of the tournament, making it clear that all tournament participants would have to compete in the opening round.

The second round of the tournament is tentatively scheduled to take place in Seoul, South Korea, where Akiyama was born. He intends to compete at the event, regardless of whether he is entered in the tournament or not. Round one of the Middleweight Grand Prix takes place on April 29th.

Rumours have circulated that Frank Trigg may take Akiyama's place in the tournament, to face Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza, but Trigg has denied the reports.

Provided that he can get past rising star Gegard Mousasi, Denis Kang now seems to be the early favourite to win the Grand Prix.