Our Eastern European correspondent has informed us that Mirko Cro Cop will face Ralek Gracie in a special grappling rules match at DREAM.4 which takes place in Yokohama, Japan on 6/15/08.

Nokaut.com has learned that Mirko Cro Cop will face Ralek Gracie, a black belt in brazilian jiu-jitsu, in a special rules grappling match on June 15’s DREAM 4 card in Japan. Cro Cop was originally scheduled to fight Jerome LeBanner but that fight has been postponed. In the meantime, DREAM offered the Gracie grappling bout to Cro Cop, which he has accepted. The fight will take place under modified Abu Dhabi rules: two five-minute rounds with no point system. The only way to win will be via submission. Should the fight go the distance, it will be declared an automatic draw.

Mirko told Nokaut that while would prefer a grappling match with a points system, as he would have an improved chance to win using throws and takedowns, he still is looking forward to testing his ground game against top competition and is looking forward to the match.

Our sources also inform us that the reason for the fight postponement isn’t Cro Cop’s recent injury, but rather a failure to come to terms with LeBanner. With no other suitable opponent available DREAM came up with this idea to get the insanely popular Cro Cop on the DREAM.4 card.

Additionally, the story reports that Cro Cop’s teammate Igor Pokrajac and his grappling coach Marcio Corletta will possibly compete at DREAM.5, scheduled for July 21st at the Osaka-jo Hall in Osaka, Japan.

Mirko Cro Cop vs. Ralek Gracie in grappling match at DREAM.4 @ Nokaut.com