(Masakazu Imanari during his win over Mike Brown at DEEP 22 in December 2005. Photo courtesy of stephenfactory.)

DREAM’s next multi-event grand prix kicks off at DREAM 7 (March 8th; Saitama, Japan), featuring featherweights; the exact weight limit will be either 63 or 63.5 kilograms, which is closer to 140 pounds than the 145-pound Western definition of the weight class. According to Nightmare of Battle, eleven fighters have been officially announced so far. Norifumi "Kid" Yamamoto’s participation is still a question mark, though he’d probably get seeded to the second round if he signs on. Here’s what the field is looking like currently:

Masakazu Imanari: #5-ranked featherweight. Is the reigning Cage Rage World Featherweight champion, and DEEP Bantamweight champion.

Hiroyuki Takaya: Shooto/K-1 vet who most recently fought for the WEC, where he has lost consecutive fights to Leonard Garcia and Cub Swanson.

Takafumi Otsuka: DEEP/Fury FC vet

Hideo Tokoro: Has had nearly 40 career fights, with three appearances at DREAM events. Most recently lost to Daisuke Nakamura at Dynamite!! 2008 on New Year’s Eve. Holds wins over Alexandre Franca Nogueira and Royler Gracie; once fought Royce Gracie to a draw.


Akiyo "Wicky Akiyo" Nishiura: Shooto/GCM Cage Force vet

Atsushi Yamamoto: Described as Norifumi Yamamoto‘s protégé, though they’re not actually related. Multiple fights in Pancrase and Shooto. Has only won 3 of his 18 fights by stoppage.

Bibiano Fernandes: Decorated BJJ champ who has only competed in five MMA matches in the last five years, taking losses to Urijah Faber and Kid Yamamoto.

Micah Miller: American Top Team fighter who went 2-2 in the WEC.

Chase Beebe: Former WEC bantamweight champ who was dethroned by Miguel Torres last February, then left the organization after dropping a decision to Will Ribeiro.

Joe Warren: Greco Roman wrestling world champion who missed the 2008 Olympics due to positive tests for marijuana.

Kim Jong Won: Former judo Olympian who has been training for his MMA debut with Dong Sik Yoon.

A twelfth spot in the GP will be decided by a DEEP match next week between Shoji Maruyama and Daiki "DJ Taiki" Hata.

Related: Sengoku is also putting together a featherweight tournament, which will reportedly feature #6-ranked featherweight Hatsu Hioki, Marlon Sandro and Ronnie Mann.