I love Japanese MMA just because it’s a breath of fresh air. Who stayed up to watch DREAM.16 on HD Net? Anyways, there were some great stories here and I think the stars of the show was probably the Jason Miller vs. Kazushi Sakuraba fight. Sakuraba is a legend, but he needs to hang it up and hopefully this is his last fight. Here are the results of the fight:

1. Gegard Mousasi is the new DREAM Light Heavyweight Champ

The Gegard Mousasi of old has arrived. Tatsuya Mizuno definitely brought it at the beginning, but the superior talent level of Mousasi was able to shine through. Showing some of the nastiest ground and pound of the business it was awesome to watch. Eventually, top position was way too overwhelming for Mizuno and Mousasi was able to take his back and choke him out to win the DREAM Light Heavyweight title.

(+1) Prediction: Gegard Mousasi over Tatsuya Mizuno

2. Jason Miller makes Kazushi Sakuraba tap for the first time

Now, this was the fight I’ve been waiting for. The entrances by Jason Miller and Kazushi Sakuraba were definitely contrasting. Miller coming in with a huge hoopla and girls, while Sakuraba comes in quietly with his patented mask. Classic. The fight went the way I thought it would go, but the ending was shocking. Sakuraba has never been submitted, and Miller wanted to be the first — but how can you submit a guy who broke Renzo Gracie’s arm? In the fight, Miller was able to get strong position early and end the fight with a sick arm triangle! A ton of respect after the fight, especially from Miller, and here’s to hoping Sakuraba hangs it up soon. He’s one of the greats.

(+1) Prediction: Jason Miller over Kazushi Sakuraba via decision

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Have you seen Japanese MMA? If you haven’t had the joy to watch Pride FC, go watch some videos on Youtube — it’s a sight to see. DREAM is definitely trying to recreate what Pride FC had in the past. This Saturday, DREAM.16 has a pretty fun card including Mousasi, Aoki, Mayhem, and Sakuraba. Also, you’ll notice in Japanese MMA that the fighters don’t stall — they come to finish. Here are my predictions for the following fights:

1. Gegard Mousasi makes it look too easy

After the King Mo Lawal fight, Gegard Mousasi seemed to have lost a bit of his fighting mojo. During this Light Heavyweight Grand Prix Tournament has brought back his confidence. With that in tact, Tatsuya Mizuno will be on the receiving end of a scary fighter.

Prediction: Gegard Mousasi over Tatsuya Mizuno via TKO/submission

2. Joachim Hansen shows his power against Hideo Tokoro

Joachim Hansen is a big name in Japan MMA, and he needs a win bad. Coming off a 3-fight losing streak, he’s eager to make a statement this Saturday and DREAM is handing him someone to do that. Hideo Tokoro is 26-22. Let’s just say that’s a lot of losses. Joachim catches Hideo with a wicked left hand. 

Prediction: Joachim Hansen over Hideo Tokoro via KO

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