DREAM 18 Results: Shinya Aoki, Bibiano Fernandes win big

Although DREAM has been virtually nonexistent in recent months, they have returned for a New Year’s Eve show from the Saitama Super Arena in Japan.

Some notable Japanese stars were on hand to perform for their home country’s fans, and many of them did not disappoint. Tatsuya Kawajiri had an impressive decision win over Michihiro Omigawa in the card’s headlining bout.

Japanese star and submission artist Shinya Aoki earned his victory with a seldom seen KO of Antonio McKee. Bibiano Fernandes continued to impress with a first round Triangle victory over Yoshiro Maeda, cementing his place as one of the finest fighters currently outside of the UFC.

In other action, Melvin Manhoef made short work of Denis Kang with a first round KO from a knee to the body, and Hayato “Mach” Sakurai won a unanimous decision over Phil “The New York Badass” Baroni. Jerome le Banner appeared in a kickboxing match, defeating Koichi Pettas with a third round KO.

DREAM 18 Full Results:

Tatsuya Kawajiri def. Michihiro Omigawa via Unanimous Decision 

Georgi Karakhanyan def. Hiroyuki Takaya via Split Decision 

Shinya Aoki def. Antonio McKee via Submission R2 (Verbal submission)

Bibiano Fernandes def. Yoshiro Maeda via R1 Submission (Triangle Choke)

Melvin Manhoef def. Denis Kang via R1 KO (Knee)

Hayato Sakurai def. Phil Baroni via Unanimous Decision

Marloes Coenen def. Fiona Muxlow via R1 Submission (Armbar)

Will Brooks def. Satoru Kitaoka via R2 TKO (Strikes)

Jerome Le Banner def. Koichi Pettas by R3 KO (Punch)