Dream 13 takes place on Monday, March 22, 2010 at the Yokohama Arena in Yokohama, Japan. The event is expected to air live in North America on HDNet. Though less than spectacular, Dream’s 2010 inaugural event does have a few gems.
If you’re a hard core MMA fan, you’ll set your alarm clock and call in sick to work on Monday.
Bibiano Fernandes (+120) vs. Joachim Hansen (-125)
This is a really solid fight between Fernandes, who won Dream’s featherweight Grand Prix in 2009, and Hansen, who won Dream’s lightweight Grand Prix in 2008. While Fernandes should have an edge in the grappling, he has shown a willingnes to stand and trade. That could hurt him here as while Hansen may lack some technical striking acumen, he has a solid beard and strikes with some serious power. On the flip side you can’t count Bibiano out as he has shown some ability to take a shot as well and it remains to be seen how the Hellboy will look at featherweight. Joachim Hansen beats Bibiano Fernandes by TKO, round 1.
Josh Barnett (-1100) vs. Siala “Mighty Mo” Siliga (+700)
Barnett returns to Japan where he can get some long awaited pay days without all those troublesome athletic commissions meddling in his cycling blunders. I hope it is wirth it for Josh as this is a lose/lose fight. He must look phenominal here and even then doesn anyone care? Josh Barnett beats Siala “Mighty Mo” Siliga by submission, round 1.
Karl James Noons (-215) vs. Andre Amado (+215)
Former Elite XC lightweight champion KJ Noons returns to MMA after almost two years and a mediocre stint of boxing. Its good to see Noons back and in a fight that promises some fireworks. Noons should be able to dominate here and hopefully we will se a return to the states. Karl James Noons beats Andre Amado by TKO, round 1.
Katsunori Kikuno (-207) vs. Kuniyoshi Hironaka (+190)
This is an interesting fight between two evenly matched fighters that like to stand, but have shown some submission chops to balance their usual TKO fight ending styles. Katsunori Kikuno beats Kuniyoshi Hironaka by TKO, round 1. At +190 Hironaka is worth a small play.
Ryo Chonan (+140) vs. Andrews Nakahara (-135)
On paper Chonan, always best known for beating Anderson Silva in 2004, should win this fight. He has far, far more experience. In fact Nakahara’s resume is pretty bare. However I’m going for the karateka to pull off the upset. Andrews Nakahara beats Ryo Chonan by unanimous decision. At +140 Chonan is decent bet.
Yoshiro Maeda (-200) vs. Cole Escovedo (+195)
This is a solid matchup between two WEC cast offs. Yoshiro Maeda beats Cole Escovedo by unanimous decision.
Ikuhisa Minowa vs. Jimmy Ambriz
I would say the fact that there are no odds on this fight is an indication of something…and that seomthing is freakshow. Ikuhisa Minowa beats Jimmy Ambriz by submission, round 1.
