DREAM.14 Is Almost Here

The powerful and epic Japanese promotion that is DREAM will have its fourteenth event this Saturday, May 29th. The official card is set, and weigh-ins, which were just streamed live on DREAM’s official site, are complete. Nick Diaz was somewhat fashionably late to the weigh-ins, but he respectfully apologized.

For just the second time, the promotion will have take place in the white cage rather than its usual ring. The reason for this seemed to be a request from the popular fighter, Hayato “Mach” Sakurai, to face one of Strikeforce’s best fighters, Nick Diaz, in a cage to defend Japanese pride after the defeat of Shinya Aoki at the hands of Diaz teammate, Gilbert Melendez.

To us at Pancake Landing, this is the most exciting event so far this year. Maybe we are too susceptible to slick promotional trailers with “Imperial March” remixes… but hey, DREAM knows how to make some bad-ass PVs. Of course, some of our favorite fighters are competing in DREAM.14: Sakuraba, Tokoro, and Maeda. Not only that, but included as well is a fight that almost guarantees excitement and also has title implications for DREAM’s featherweight division: Hiroyuki Takaya vs. Joachim Hansen.

Always in our spotlight, Kazushi Sakuraba is fighting another Gracie, one that is younger, bigger, and maybe even more accomplished in BJJ competition. My personal prediction is that Sakuraba has no chance and will be submitted for the first time in his career.  But speaking against what my head says… Sakuraba is going to knock this young punk out or break his arm with a slick kimura. Regardless of the outcome, Sakuraba is still a legend and will always be one of my favorite fighters.  I also have a feeling his retirement is coming soon and this event might have a hint or announcement concerning it. It’s just a feeling, but what better time to bow out for the Gracie Hunter?

For the entire fight card and some insightful pre-analysis, Bloody Elbow has a thorough rundown. Also be sure to check out all three event PVs after the jump.