Yoshihiro Akiyama (10-1) has been forced to withdraw from the upcoming DREAM middleweight grand prix, which kicks off on April 29th, after re-injuring a nasal fracture. Akiyama originally suffered the injury against Kazuo Misaki on New Years Eve in a bout that ended in a no contest following an illegal soccer kick by Misaki.

Here’s a quote from DREAM producer Keiichi Sasahara from Sherdog, who originally reported the injury earlier this week:

“Akiyama wanted to be in this grand prix by any means, even interrupting his training to fully heal up,” said Dream producer Keiichi Sasahara. “But at the current state, even a slight blow will cause such heavy bleeding that will have every doctor stop the fight.

Either a fighter will participate in the tournament from the first round, or he won’t be in it at all. This also applies to Akiyama”

Stay tuned to MMAFrenzy.com for more DREAM coverage.