Bibiano Fernandes to Defend DREAM Title Against Joachim Hansen

By Ray Hui - Editor

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DREAM featherweight champion Bibiano Fernandes will put his belt on the line against Joachim Hansen at DREAM.13 on March 22 in Yokohama, Japan, the promotion announced Thursday in a press conference in Tokyo.

Fernandes (7-2) won all four of his DREAM fights in 2009 en route to winning the DREAM featherweight title in the finals of the Grand Prix at DREAM.11 in October. The four-time BJJ world champion is on a six-fight win streak and his two losses were both early in his career against Urijah Faber and Norifumi "KID" Yamamoto.

A former Shooto and DREAM titleholder, Hansen (19-8-1) is moving down to 139 pounds for this title fight following his title loss to Shinya Aoki at DREAM.11 in October. Hansen captured the belt in July 2008, stopping Aoki in the DREAM Lightweight Grand Prix Finals.

DREAM also announced that DEEP, PRIDE and UFC veteran Ryo Chonan (16-10) will make his DREAM debut on the March 22 card. Chonan returned to Japan last August at DEEP 43 and defeated Jutaro Nakao by unanimous decision. He had been away for two years fighting for the UFC, where he won one out of four fights. Chonan is best known for submitting Anderson Silva with a flying scissor heel hook in 2004.

Notes: A light heavyweight tournament will take place this year to determine a champion in that division ... The organization will also set up title fights to crown middleweight and heavyweight champions.

Read More: bibianofernandes, joachimhansen, ryochonan, news, Bibiano Fernandes (MMA), Joachim Hansen (MMA), Ryo Chonan (MMA)

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