They’re back.
While believed to be out of business after the original backers have jumped ship, DREAM has made waves in the Asian region after the promotion has announced their return to continue the Japanese tradition of hosting major MMA events on New Year’s Eve.
DREAM has been revived by Glory Sports International (GSI), with the Japanese promotion teaming up with the upstart group known primarily for Kickboxing. The event has been officially dubbed as ‘DREAM 18: Special NYE 2012‘, and like most New Year’s Eve shows in the country, it is planned to have over a dozen fights consisting of MMA bouts with a few kickboxing matches mixed in as well.
Fighters confirmed to be heading to the Saitama Super Arena to participate on the event are Satoru Kitaoka, along with top ranked featherweights Tatsuya Kawajiri and DREAM champion Hiroyuki Takaya.
DREAM hasn’t hosted a show since the last NYE event and was reported to have financial problems that caused them to be dormant for almost a year. News of fighters not being paid have surfaced in the past, although as announced today, neither FEG nor REAL Entertainment will be involved in this show which is backed by GSI.
It is unclear whether the partnership will push through beyond this event, but Glory officials have also revealed plans to host about 10 events in Japan next year. Broadcast details and match ups for the Dec 31 event have yet to be announced, but more details are expected to be unveiled in the coming weeks.
The full press conference of the announcement in Japan can be seen below:
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