As reported on BJPENN.com, Dream lightweight champion Shinya Aoki has pulled out of his scheduled bout with Ultimate Fighter Alum Shane Nelson on May 29th at DREAM 17. Nelson, who just accepted the fight, was coming off a victory over Jai Bradney at Nitro 2 on March 20th.
Aoki, who is coming off his quick disposal of Lyle Beerboh at Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Daley on April 9th, did not give a reason for the withdrawal. Instead of Nelson, he will face UFC veteran, Rich Clementi. Clementi is coming off a loss to Reza Madadi at Superior Challenge 7 on April 30th, and has lost 3 of his last 5 fights overall.
This is not the first change of opponents for Aoki on the DREAM 17 card. He was first scheduled to face Antonio McKee, who was also coming off a loss at UFC 125. McKee said he had Visa issues that forced him to pull out of the fight.
So, for now, it’s Aoki – Clementi at DREAM 17: Fight For Japan.
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