In the post-event press conference for DREAM 11, the promotions head spokesperson, Keiichi Sasahara, declared the intent for Aoki's first title defense to be against Tatsuya "Crusher" Kawajiri on New Year's Eve. Aoki attained the title by hunting constantly for submissions throughout his battle with Joachim Hansen in yesterday's main event, and finally capitalizing on an opening and locking on an armbar, becoming the first Japanese champion in DREAM history.  Tatsuya Kawajiri, who also handily swept Melchor Manibusan under the rug with a methodical TKO stoppage at DREAM 11, requested to face the winner of Aoki/Hansen in his post-fight speech. This is another phenomenal match-up in DREAM's loaded lightweight division that pits two top-ranked stars against one another.  Both fighters share a handful of common opponents from their years in the Shooto promotion and have firmly established themselves amongst the best global talent outside of the UFC.

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