Aoki Withdraws From DREAM Grand Prix

by Robert Sargent

Just one day after his victory over Gesias Calvancante, Shinya Aoki has officially withdrawn from the DREAM Lightweight Grand Prix after suffering a facial injury against Calvancante that has prevented him from continuing.

DREAM officials contacted Calvancante about taking Aoki's place in the next round of the tournament, at Dream.3 on May 11th, but Calvancante has decided against doing so.

The loss of Aoki will significantly lessen the prestige of the tournament, with Calvancante out as well, but highly talented fighters such as Tatsuya Kawajiri, Mitsuhiro Ishida and Joachim Hansen remain in the running for the Grand Prix title.

It is still possible that Calvancante may take Aoki's place in the Grand Prix, but he has left Japan and would have to travel back prior to May 11th. At this time, it is not known when Aoki will next compete.