Bellator: Eddie Alvarez vs. Shinya Aoki Rematch Possible in 2012

Two of mixed martial arts' elite lightweights appear set to face each other once again.

According to Sherdog.com, Dream lightweight champion Shinya Aoki and Bellator lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez may face each other in a rematch in the works under the Bellator banner.

The bout, targeted for early 2012, will be the first time these two champions have faced each other since the Dynamite!! 2008 New Year's Eve event where Aoki submitted Alvarez with a heel hook less than two minutes into the first round.

Since the loss, Alvarez has won seven straight fights and captured the Bellator lightweight title.  He is currently scheduled to face Michael Chandler at Bellator 54 on October 15th, Alvarez's second title defense.

Aoki has gone 9-2 since defeating Alvarez, winning the Dream lightweight belt in 2009 by submitting Joachim Hansen.

The rumored bout is planned to take place in the United States in what would be only Aoki's third fight outside of Japan.

In his first fight in America, Aoki faced Strikeforce lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez in April of 2010, losing a lopsided decision in the five round title affair. Aoki has rebounded from the loss by going 5-0, including a win over Strikeforce lightweight Lyle Beerbohm in his second overseas bout.

The current Dream lightweight champion is set to face Rob McCullough in September at Dream 17.

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