Many websites are pointing to former WEC lightweight champ Jamie Varner as the next opponent of DREAM champ Shinya Aoki for the upcoming DREAM: Fight for Japan event.
MMA-Japan.com says it’s confirmed the with Aoki himself that he’s said he’ll be fighting Varner at the end of the month.
But MMAWeekly.com is saying they spoke to Varner’s management, KO Reps, as of Saturday night confirming with them that nothing has been signed and “the bout is looking less and less likely to happen.”
So it may very well be true that Aoki is under the impression that he’s to face Varner in Japan, but from this side of the Pacific it doesn’t appear that the fight will happen.
Another wrench that could be a huge factor in getting Varner to Japan is an upcoming XFO 39 bout on May 13 in Illonois, any injury would certainly prevent him from fighting in Japan.
DREAM: Fight for Japan is scheduled to be held on May 29, 2011 at the Saitama Super Arena Hall in Saitama, Japan. The event features a Bantamweight Japan Grand Prix Tournament, with the finalists meeting in July. The top three fightes will go on to compete in a World Grand Prix this fall.