Denis Kang to Return to Action at DREAM 5

Former PRIDE welterweight grand prix runner-up Denis Kang will return to action at Dream 5: Lightweight Grand Prix 2008 Final on July 21st at the Osaka Castle Hall in Osaka, Japan.

The news comes from the latest edition of The Fight Network’s Great Fight North column.

After riding a near-unbelievable 23-fight undefeated streak over a three-year period, Kang has struggled as of late. He has managed to only win one bout since losing to Kazuo Misaki in the finals of Pride: Bushido 13 welterweight tournament and has now lost his last two fights - a brutal knockout at the hands of Yoshihiro Akiyama and a quick submission loss to rising middleweight Gegard Mousasi.

It’s interesting to note that Kang’s upcoming fight in DREAM will the last on his current contract with the promotion. His deal with Korea - based Spirit MC also expires at the end of this month, essentially making Kang a free agent following his July bout.

While contract negoiatitions with a handful of top organizations have taken place, visa troubles may prevent Kang from making any decisions concerning his career for now.

“I’ve talked to organizations, like Affliction and the UFC, in the past few months, but this visa thing is what’s holding things up,” Kang said in the report. “It’s tough. If can’t fight in the U.S., how am I going to fight for them? I don’t know if I’ll do another Spirit MC grand prix. My contract’s almost over with them. We’re talking to them, but we’ll see.”

An opponent for Kang has yet to be determined.

Source: www.mmaontap.com