It’s official - DREAM has confirmed the middleweight grand prix match-ups for the final round of their 185 lbs tournament, scheduled for Sept. 23 at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan.

The first stanza will see Dutch powerhouse Melvin Manhoef take on Armenian-Dutch upstart Gegard Mousasi, in a bout that many, including Mousasi, are predicting to be a stand up war.

“For Manhoef, I’ll be focusing on stand-up,” said Mousasi in an interview earlier this week.  Unfortunately the Team Jurojin fighter didn’t elaborate on his gameplan, simply stating:  “all the finalists are dangerous, if you play their game.”

In the other semi-final tilt, Croatian Zelg Galesic takes on ADCC champion Ronaldo “
“Jacare” Souza.  The match-up is truly a throwback to striker vs. grappler, with the first man to make a mistake most likely losing the fight.

Despite a poor record against world-class grapplers, Galesic is confident in his abilities and gameplan, as revealed in an earlier interview with The Fight Network. 

“Jacare is one of the best grapplers in the world,” said Galesic.  “At the same time, he has a perfect ground game for MMA, as he always likes to stay on top of you.  It’s no secret that I need to avoid the ground and find the shortest route to his chin.”

In other news, DREAM matchmakers also confirmed one non-tournament bout, which will pit Hideo Tokoro against Atsushi Yamamoto.   

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DREAM Middleweight GP Finals

September 23rd, 2008

Saitama Arena

Saitama, Japan

Confirmed Bouts:

Melvin Manhoef vs. Gegard Mousasi

Zelg Galesic vs. Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza

Hideo Tokoro vs. Atsushi Yamamoto