Japanese MMA: DREAM.13 Press Conference

DREAM held a press conference today to announce some upcoming matches for the March 22nd Yokohama Arena event DREAM.13.

As previously reported, Minowaman and Katsunori Kikuno will participate but there was no mention yet of Hideo Tokoro taking part. 

Minowaman (44-30-8) will face American Jimmy Ambriz (14-12-1). Ambriz is no stranger to the Japanese fight scene were he has fought in New Japan Pro Wrestling and Pancrase. His only appearance in DREAM was a loss to Sergei Kharitonov at DREAM.6.

DEEP Lightweight champ Katsunori Kikuno (12-2-2) will battle Cage Force Lightweight champion Kuniyoshi Hironaka (16-6-0). Kikuno had been on a unbelievable streak going unbeaten in 11 fights dating back to early 2006 until he was stopped by Eddie Alvarez at DREAM.12. Hironaka will come into the fight winning 4 in a row with his last victory coming over the talented Korean Won Sik Park.

Former EliteXC Lightweight champion, K.J. Noons (7-2-0) will make his debut against Brazillian kick boxer Andre "Dida" Amado (6-3-1).

Ryo Chonan (16-10-0), who was confirmed to fight a few weeks back will meet Japanese-Brazilian Andrews Nakahara (2-1-0). Nakahara has an extensive Kyokushin karate background and was recently awarded a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Blue Belt. He made his MMA debut against Kazushi Sakuraba.

After the press conference, event producer Keiichi Sasahara said 3-4 fights have yet to be announced. So we can expect more matches to be added in the coming days/weeks.

You can checkout the fightcard on the DREAM website: http://www.dreamofficial.com/free/fightcard/

Update: You can watch the press-conference (in Japanese) here: Part 1 & Part 2