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The UFC freed multi-title MMA champion Alistair Overeem from his contract less than a month after his last knockout loss in the Octagon.
Several people familiar with Overeem’s exit confirmed the news to MMA Fighting after an initial report from TSN Sports, which added the name of former K-1 champion, Strikeforce and DREAM to a short heavyweight list that included l former Junior Champion Dos Santos. Overeem was recently removed from the UFC rankings, where he was ranked 7th, indicating a change in contract status.
Overeem’s UFC tenure, which began amid a legal battle with his former management company, comes to an end after nearly a decade of fighting in which he achieved a 12-8 record. A breakout star and perennial heavyweight contender, Overeem has repeatedly set the clock back despite repeated knockout losses. His most recent, against former Bellator champion Alexander Volkov at UFC Vegas 18, came after two wins in fights against Walt Harris and Augusto Sakai.
Kickboxing expert and guillotine specialist, Overeem, 40, adjusted his tactics to use the full range of his skills rather than standing and beating him with every enemy. If it hadn’t been for a last-second punch, he would have won a decision over first-row heavyweight Jairzinho Rozenstruik in December 2019. All of his UFC losses came through TKO or KO.
In recent months, the UFC has released dozens of fighters, with UFC President Dana White confirming up to 60 fighters on the chopping block. A high-priced talent due to its starting point as a top-tier acquisition and headliner, Overeem’s exit prospects have grown with time and loss.
Despite his setback against Volkov, Overeem later indicated that he would continue to fight after resting his body. His next move is now a question mark.
One option, Bellator MMA, is currently appearing off the table with President Scott Coker – his former promoter in the now-defunct Strikeforce – interested in maintaining the current roster of fighters, he told MMA Fighting.
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