Dream co-producer Real Entertainment (ex-DSE staff) plans on forging ahead in the turbulent Japanese mixed martial arts promotion business with an eight-fighter lightweight tournament starting in May, sources tell ESPN.com.
The field would consist of Strikeforce and Real Entertainment fighters.
“We’re committed to keeping our fighters active, but if we can help Dream and have our fighters go over there and participate in their tournament, why not?” said Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker.
Strikeforce could provide up to five fighters:
Gilbert Melendez (18-2) [Num. 3], Josh Thomson (18-4) [Num. 18], Gesias “JZ” Cavalcante (15-4-1) [Num. 22], K.J. Noons (10-3) [Num. 38], Lyle Beerbohm (15-0) [Num. 41], Jorge Masvidal (20-6) [Num. 43], Justin Wilcox (10-3)
Japan’s Aoki, Kawajiri and Kikuno are also expected to participate:
Shinya Aoki (26-5) [Num. 5], Tatsuya Kawajiri (27-6-2) [Num. 8], Katsunori Kikuno (14-3-2) [Num. 28]
HDNet confirmed to ESPN.com that they would broadcast the tournament stateside.
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