Dream 8 Breakdown

Dream Welterweight Grand Prix
Yuya Shirai vs. Jason High

The Storyline: Many experts view Shirai (15-7), a Judo player who turned 29 this week, as a fighter who has been beaten below value throughout his career. The teammate of former Deep champion and UFC veteran Ryo Chonan suffered two controversial split decision losses last year, which prompted Dream officials to put on a qualification bout against Korea’s Yoon Young Kim. Shirai ended the match by third-round submission. Now he has the chance to prove his real value on the biggest stage of his career.

The Breakdown: The former middleweight contender in Deep holds a distinct experience advantage over Team Bodyshop wrestler High (6-1). When Shirai, who also trained in Sambo, made his MMA debut in 2003, High was in his senior year in college. High does hold stoppage victories against UFC veterans Kevin Burns and James Giboo.

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The Prediction: Although he possesses three-times the experience, Shirai gives up three to four inches in reach. On the ground, however, everybody is the same size. Shirai has done well against wrestlers in the past, even pushing UFC veteran Jordan Radev to the limit in 2008 as a middleweight. Expect Shirai to do the job and work his way to a unanimous decision.