With some of the recent DREAM cards, I’m a little let down by this one. The Grand Prix is by far the weakest one in the DREAM series thus far and the super fights aren’t on the level of say Kawajiry-JZ. Still, there’s a four man tournament to crown the Welterweight champion and we get to see three decent fights so I shouldn’t complain too much.
Welterweight Grand Prix
This was really set up to crown either Sakurai or Aoki a champion and pairing them off early was a little stupid. I doubt Sakurai will have much trouble winning against any of the opponents and unless he has a really bad night (which being Sakurai is possible) I think he wins this without too much trouble, probably going the distance in both fights though. I’m picking Galvao to beat High and meet him in the Final.
Shinya Aoki vs Vitor Ribeiro
Prediction- Aoki on points
I’m glad to see Ribeiro back as he was a good opponent a few years ago and it would have been a shame for his career to end on an injury. Ribeiro was a solid fighter about 3-4 years ago defeating the likes of Tatsuya Kawajiri, Joachim Hansen and Ivan Menjivar. He is a world champion Jiu Jitsu player and against someone like Aoki who is a freak in terms of grappling, especially in MMA, it could be an excellent ground battle. Ribeiro has alright striking, but I think his absence will hurt him against a top tier opponent like Aoki. Aoki will probably take over towards the end of the first 10 minute period before dominating the final five minutes to win a unanimous decision.
Paulo Filho vs Melvin Manhoef
Prediction- Filho by submission (0-10 minutes)
I find it very hard to pick Manhoef against a grappler. If the fight hits the mat you can bet your left testicle on Filho finishing Manhoef. Then again, if Manhoef can keep the fight standing for an extended period of time he could knock Filho out. Then again (again), Filho hasn’t been knocked out, while Manhoef has been tapped out a number of times. Filho will be out to prove something in this fight and I expect him to win inside the first period by submission, probably a rear naked choke.
Dong Sik Yoon vs Jesse Taylor
Prediction- Taylor by unanimous decision
Strange to see the infamous JT Money on the card, but he’s not getting back in the UFC any time soon so its a good fight for him to take. I don’t think Dong has much of a chance here unless he can get Taylor on his back. Taylor will win in the fashion he won his way to the Final of TUF7 before his post house antics got him booted off; by taking Dong down and holding him there, then throwing up after he wins the decision.
