DREAM.9 in Yokohama, Japan features the second round of the featherweight tournament. Yamamoto, who was recovering from knee surgery, chose not to participate in the first round and received a bye due to his past accomplishments.
Yamamoto has been matched up with Joe Warren (1-0), who made his mixed martial arts debut at DREAM.7 with an impressive win over former WEC featherweight champ Chase Beebe.
Yamamoto has not been beaten in seven years and holds wins over Rani Yahya, Jeff Curran, Genki Sudo, Royler Gracie and Caol Uno.
DREAM also announced the three other matchups for the second round: Masakazu Imanari vs. Bibiano Fernandes, Hiroyuki Takaya vs. Yoshiro Maeda and Abel Cullum vs. Hideo Tokoro.
Tokoro steps in for the injured "DJ.taiki" Hata.
A lightweight fight between Tatsuya Kawajiri and Gesias "JZ Calvan" Calvancante is being discussed for DREAM.9.
FIGHT CARD:
Featherweight Grand Prix
- Norifumi "KID" Yamamoto vs. Joe Warren
- Masakazu Imanari vs. Bibiano Fernandes
- Hiroyuki Takaya vs. Yoshiro Maeda
- Abel Cullum vs. Hideo Tokoro