WVR originally wanted both Shooto world champion "Lion Takeshi"
Takeshi Inoue and Deep titlist
Dokonjonosuke Mishima to participate in the tournament but Inoue was unable due to
Shooto putting him on their May 10 fight card while Mishima suffered a knee injury.[2]
Michihiro Omigawa's fight with
Shintaro Ishiwatari in
Shooto on January 18 were originally scheduled to be an eliminator for participation in the tournament. However, the bout ended in a draw and both were later invited to participate.[2]