Strikeforce light heavyweight champion Gegard Mousasi’s name was absent from DREAM’s recent revelation of its semifinal brackets for the next stage of its “Super Hulk” tournament.
Mousasi, who is contracted to M-1 Global, won the Strikeforce light heavyweight title from Renato “Babalu” Sobral on Aug. 15 in San Jose, Calif. following a first round TKO.
It had been anticipated that his next fight would take place at DREAM 11 on Oct. 6 at the Yokohama Arena in Japan. While never formally announced, published reports suggested that Mousasi’s opponent in the semifinals would be Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou.
According to Sherdog.com, Mousasi was forced to withdraw from the tournament due to injury.
Mousasi had advanced to the semifinals after defeating K-1 star Mark Hunt in the first round of the “Super Hulk” tournament on May 26. Facing the much larger Hunt, Mousasi needed just 1:19 seconds to walk away victorious following a “straight” armbar submission.
DREAM has confirmed that Hong Man Choi will face Ikuhisa “Minowaman” Minowa in one semifinal matchup with Sokoudjou bracketed against an opponent that has yet to be named. Published reports indicate that DREAM is actively searching for a replacement to fight Sokoudjou in place of Mousasi.
When asked to discuss the nature of Mousasi’s injury and how long he might be sidelined, M-1 officials declined comment.
