When it came time for M-1Global.com to issue its unofficial “Fight Night” awards in response to “HDNET FIGHTS PRESENTS M-1 BREAKTHROUGH” on Aug. 28 in Kansas City, it took all of a matter of seconds to name Daisuke Nakamura’s dynamic lightweight encounter vs. former Olympic Judoka Ferrid Kheder as the event’s “Fight of the Night.”
Nakamura, a graduate of the M-1 Challenge as the leader of Team Japan in 2008, returned to fight under the M-1 banner once more and was able to earn a unanimous decision victory over Kheder. With the win, Nakamura’s record improved to 20-10.
After not having competed for DREAM since a March loss to Mitsuhiro Ishida at DREAM 7 comes word that Nakamura will be returning to the promotion to take on Gesias “JZ Calvan” Calvancante on Oct. 6 at DREAM 11 in Yokohama, Japan.
While DREAM officials have not expressly stated as such, it is believed that Nakamura’s impressive showing on national television in the United States played a part in him landing a coveted slot on the DREAM 11 card in a high-profile matchup vs. Calvancante.
For Nakamura, a veteran of PRIDE, DEEP, and K-1 HERO’s, DREAM 7 will mark his ninth fight in the last year and a half. During that span he has compiled an impressive 8-1 record that includes notable wins over Bogan Christea, Yura Ivlev, and Hideo Tokoro.
