Real Entertainment, a partner of Japan’s Dream events, and Strikeforce are working towards putting together an eight-man lightweight tournament starting in May that will involve fighters from both promotions.
The announcement surfaced on ESPN.com on Thursday evening noting that participants could include Japanese fighters Shinya Aoki, Tatsuya Kawajiri and Katsunori Kikuno, with Strikeforce fighters making up the rest. Some of those fighters could include Strikeforce lightweight champ Gilbert Melendez, Josh Thomson, Gesias “JZ” Cavalcante, KJ Noons, Lyle Beerbohm, Jorge Masvidal and Justin Wilcox.
The field would consist of Strikeforce and Real Entertainment fighters, possibly but not necessarily under the Dream banner, and likely without FEG, which has been its promotional partner since Pride Fighting Championships was purchased by Zuffa in 2007.
“We’re committed to keeping our fighters active, but if we can help Dream and have our fighters go over there and participate in their tournament, why not?” said Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker, who confirmed ongoing discussions between his promotion and Real Entertainment for the May event. “If things go the way they should, I feel confident we’ll send a bunch of guys over.”
Events would certainly be split between Japan and the States which would help bolster sagging fan interest in the Asian country.