No “Kid” Yamamoto for DREAM featherweight grand prix.

Props: JapanMMA

Japanese media is writing today that “Kid” Yamamoto’s knee injury is not yet fully healed, and he will not be able to participate in the upcoming DREAM event in March. This is of course another blow to DREAM who needs their Japanese star to return as soon as possible.

“Kid” is hinting at a return after April, but with all the injuries I am thinking it might go even longer than that. I hope we get to see a fully fit “Kid” soon, and DREAM needs the ratings that would bring too.

You know, I think I like the fact that “Kid” won’t probably be in the DREAM featherweight tournament.  His absense will allow for the other unknown fighters to shine without having to deal with the fact that the entire grand prix was primarily created for the simple fact of having “Kid” end up as the featherweight champion.

I do agree though, if “Kid” is healthy by April, he’ll probably be given a bye and allowed to enter the 2nd round of the tournament, and then he’ll probably win the entire thing and give DREAM what they originally wanted.  Even if he doesn’t compete, when he’s healthy he’ll probably be given first crack at the current featherweight champion.  Either way, sometime in 09 he’ll either be fighting for the title or wearing it, that is unless DREAM goes under…..which isn’t out of the realm of possibility.

As of right now, there are currently ZERO fighters announced to compete in the grand prix, it’s pretty ridiculous considering the event is expected to begin in March.  Hopefully we’ll get some damn updates in the next few weeks.