Real Entertainment/Strikeforce Planning Lightweight Grand Prix in May

[Phillmattic]

Quote: Originally Posted by ESPN.com

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.

http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2011/1/28...n-may#comments

MMA in 2011 is looking amazing so far.

[Phillmattic]

Potential fighters as posted in the link include:

Quote:

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]

[Sandman42]

Should be good to see, especially since Strikeforce's lightweight decision was stagnant for pretty much all of 2010. Wonder if we'll see Kawajiri, Aoki, and Kikuno fighting in Strikeforce in the long run since DREAM may not even make it to another event. I could definitely see Kawajiri there long term, but Aoki has brought up retirement after his most recent loss.

[aholbert32]

Yay! So now Melendez can go a year without defending the belt.

[Sandman42]

Quote: Originally Posted by aholbert32

Yay! So now Melendez can go a year without defending the belt.

Coker said he wanted to do the Melendez/Kawajiri fight and was targeting April for it. Don't know how this tournament affects that though.

[redsrule]

Quote: Originally Posted by Sandman42

Coker said he wanted to do the Melendez/Kawajiri fight and was targeting April for it. Don't know how this tournament affects that though.

It would probably be postponed.
Gotta love strikeforce