Bibiano Fernandes, Joe Warren, Akiyo "Wicky" Nishiura, Yoshiro Maeda, Hiroyuki Takaya and Masakazu Imanari all advanced Sunday in the DREAM.7 Featherweight Grand Prix at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan.

Norifumi "Kid" Yamamoto was the only fighter to receive a bye and will be in action at DREAM.8. The final spot will be determined by Hideo Tokoro vs. Daika "DJ Taiki" Hata bout at DREAM.8.

In non-tournament bouts, Mitsuhiro Ishida won a unanimous decision over Daisuke Nakamura, Shinya Aoki submitted David Gardner with a rear naked choke and Tatsuya Kawajiri also won by rear naked choke against Ross Ebanez.

Aoki was fighting at lightweight for one more time before he moves up to welterweight to enter the DREAM Welterweight Grand Prix.

Kawajiri called out Gesias "JZ Calvan" Calvancante for a number one contender bout to determine current DREAM Lightweight Champion Joachim "Hellboy" Hansen's first title challenger.

DREAM 7 was dedicated to Helio Gracie. Kazushi Sakuraba and Yuki Sasaki stood inside the ring for a moment of silence during the opening ceremony.

Below are the official results for DREAM.7:

Featherweight Grand Prix Opening Round Bouts:

• Masakazu Imanari def. Atsushi Yamamoto by split decision

• Hiroyuki Takaya def. Kim Jong-won Kim by TKO (punches) at 0:40 of Round 2

• Yoshiro Maeda def. Micah Miller by unanimous decision

• Abel Cullum def. Akiyo "Wicky" Nishiura by unanimous decision

• Joe Warren def. Chase Beebe by TKO (doctor stoppage) at 10:00 of Round 1

• Bibiano Fernandes def. Takafumi Otsuka by unanimous decision

Non-Tournament Bouts:

• Shinya Aoki def. David Gardner by submission (rear naked choke) at 5:58 of Round 1

• Tatsuya Kawijiri def. Ross Ebanez by submission (rear naked choke) at 4:03 of Round 1

• Mitsuhiro Ishida def. Daisuke Nakamura by unanimous decision

29.01.2009
Master Helio Gracie (1913-2009)
Jiu-Jitsu loses its icon

It is with great sadness that GRACIEMAG.com announces the passing of Grandmaster Helio Gracie. At 95 years of age, the great icon and one of those most responsible for Jiu-Jitsu's success in Brazil and the world died this morning, at Beneficencia Portuguesa Hospital, in Petropolis, mountain region of Rio de Janeiro.

"I created a flag from the sport's dignity. I oversee the name of my family with affection and nerves of blood," said the Professor, as his last worlds.

The Master will be buried this Thursday afternoon, at 5 pm, at the Chapel of the Petropolis municipal cemetery.

Helio Gracie's last public appearance occurred in December of last year, during a belt-promotion ceremony held by Gracie Humaita at the Guanabara Yacht Club.

In October, Helio Gracie celebrated his 95th birthday at the Gracie Humaita academy, in Rio de Janeiro. Click here to see how the party went.

In one of his most famous interviews, published in the special 100th issue of GRACIEMAG, the professor had declared: "I've already told my sons that when I die I want there to be a party. No drinking, no debauchery."

All workers at Gracie Publishing, the company responsible for GRACIEMAG, NOCAUTE and GRACIEMAG.com are in mourning and express their condolences and sadness to the bereaved family, his wife Vera, sons Rorion, Relson, Rickson, Rolker, Royler, Royce, Rherica, Robin and Ricci.

We will be back with more information shortly.

Source: GRACIEMAG.com