03-22-2008, 08:57 AM
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#8 (permalink)
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The publicity ploys in Dream will continue it seems.
Kazushi Sakuraba appears to want no part of the Middleweight tournament. While we all know this is probably for the best as some of these guys would be legit threat to the long term health of Sak, this would be a large blow to the tourney as far as ratings draws in Japan go. The ratings for the lightweight tourney were reportedly dismal so they need to pick it up for this one. And having their legend Sak in the tournament would be a huge help. The fact that Kaz Misaki signed with Strikeforce and will likely no be participating in the tourney does not help either.
According to Jordan Breen...
Quote:
Sakuraba Set for April, Uncertain for GP
Despite some reports that have listed MMA icon Kazushi Sakuraba as an official participant in Dream's forthcoming 185-pound grand prix, it is necessary to note that while "The Gracie Hunter" will fight on the April 29 card, he is not yet official for the tournament.
Sakuraba appeared in the ring at the inaugural March 15 Dream card alongside Yoshihiro Akiyama, Shungo Oyama, Taiei Kin, Ikuhisa Minowa, Dong Sik Yoon and Masakatsu Funaki, who all announced their participation in the Dream middleweight tournament. However, Sakuraba did not commit to the field.
Sakuraba told the crowd in attendance that although he would fight on the April 29 card, he had suffered a scab that wouldn't stop bleeding and thus he could not participate in the tournament. Although his statement was largely interpreted as a joke in true Sakuraba fashion, Dream event producer Keiichi Sasahara later confirmed that "The IQ Wrestler" was not yet part of the tournament.
"Sakuraba is the flagship fighter of our middleweight tournament, so we will continue talking to him," Sasahara said after the first Dream event. "Sakuraba has shown disinterest in competing in the tournament, but we will continue negotiating with him to try and encourage him to compete."
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