DREAM 15: Gegard Mousasi Taps Jake O'Brien

Former Strikeforce light heavyweight champion “Dreamcatcher” Gegard Mousasi (29-3-1) effortlessly disposed of former UFC 205er “Irish” Jake O’Brien (13-4) in 31 seconds at DREAM.15 in Saitama Saturday.

At the bell, a pudgy O’Brien immediately shot for a double-leg takedown, forcing Mousasi to the ropes.  Mousasi defended, but O’Brien transitioned to a single-leg and eventually dragged Mousasi to the mat.

O’Brien’s corner shouted, “Watch the guillotine.”

And, as Mousasi stood back to his feet, he locked up that exact technique and forced O’Brien to tap out in a standing guillotine.

After barely breaking a sweat, Mousasi announced to the crowd, “I’ll return to fight for the light heavyweight title.  Thank you for coming.”

Mousasi will meet Japanese underdog Tatsuya Mizuno (8-5) for the DREAM belt.  Earlier on the card, Mizuno submitted ”No Mercy” Melvin Manhoef (23-6-1).

Fighting in Japan has always been sentimental for Mousasi, symbolized by wearing a pure white T-shirt on his walk to the ring in an era when gaudy T’s have become a feature of the sport of MMA.