MMA stars Alistair Overeem, Eddie Alvarez, Marius Zaromskis, and the legendary Kazushi Sakuraba are paired against fighters looking to establish their own names in a card full of international fighters. Nine fights including the main draws should provide plenty of action as the headliners look to add to their highlight reels. Four matches are especially intriguing as different styles and levels of experience are set to clash.
Alistair Overeem vs. James Thompson
Alistair Overeem (30 Wins – 11 Losses – 1 No Contest) of Holland fought a little over a week ago dominating his competition. He is also actively fighting in K – 1 Kickboxing having earned a place at this year’s K – 1 World Grand Prix Final. Although his success in MMA against top competition has been mixed, he routinely dominates lesser foes through effective striking and an efficient guillotine choke. Overeem, rumored to meet MMA’s most dominant fighter, Fedor Emelianenko, possibly in 2010, looks to make his case for that match.
James Thompson (14 Wins – 10 Losses) from England is a physically large opponent with a susceptible jaw. Coming off of four straight knockout losses he looks for redemption against a superior striker and grappler. Thompson needs to cut the distance to undermine Overeem’s striking and try to wear him out through work in the clinch. Thompson has a puncher’s chance, but look for Alistair Overeem to end this bout quickly through strikes.
Zelg Galesic vs. Kazushi Sakuraba
Local hero and legendary fighter Kazushi Sakuraba (25 Wins – 12 Losses – 1 Draw – 2 No Contests) is an underdog taking this fight at late notice. With wins over several MMA champions, he also has his share of brutal knockout losses. Fighting has taken a large toll on Sakuraba’s body, although he has continued to grow as a fighter. His striking has improved and his submission wrestling defines world – class.
Originally slated to meet feared striker Melvin Manhoef, Zelg Galesic (9 Wins – 4 Losses) from Croatia is an effective striker with a developing ground game. Coming off a submission loss, he will have to use sharp, efficient striking combined with effective footwork to keep Sakuraba at bay. Younger and quicker, he stands a good chance of testing Sakuraba on his feet. However, look for Sakuraba to eventually close the distance, utilize a takedown, and secure a submission win.
Marius Zaromskis vs. Myeon Ho Bae
Marius Zaromskis (12 Wins – 3 Losses) of Lithuania is the dream welterweight grand prix champion for 2009 stopping two opponents including Hayato Sakurai through knockout. He displayed quick and vicious striking and creative grappling, including a highlight reel back-flip guard pass. Zaromskis possesses a high level of athleticism, and will look to keep the fight on its feet. Using leg kicks and footwork will keep his opponent off balance as he looks for the knockout.
Myeon Ho Bae (8 Wins – 4 Losses) from Korea has mainly fought regional competition on smaller shows. He is taking a large step in meeting Zaromskis for Dream 12. Although Korea’s mixed martial arts scene is growing rapidly, a win by Myeon Ho Bae would put them firmly on the map. Look for Zaromskis to overwhelm Myeon Ho Bae and secure a first round knock – out.
Eddie Alvarez vs. Kikuno Katsunori
Eddie Alvarez (18 Wins – 2 Losses) from the United States is one of the best lightweights in the world today with wins over Joachim Hansen and Tatsuya Kawajiri. A majority of his wins have been through knockout as he has utilized strong boxing and wrestling skills to dominate his opponents. Kikuno Katsunori (1 Win – 1 Loss) has a background in Karate, and will likely be completely dominated by Alvarez. This mismatch keeps Alvarez active as he looks to eventually revenge his loss against current Dream champion Shinya Aoki. Look for Alvarez to win via knockout in the opening round.
Dream 12 will be held on Sunday, October 25, 2009 is Osaka Japan.
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