http://mmajunkie.com/news/24588/str...eem-booked-for-october-united-glory-event.mma Alistair Overeem wanted to fight in October, and he will. More than a week after the Strikeforce heavyweight champion bowed out of the promotion's heavyweight grand prix with a scheduling conflict, a homegrown booking has materialized for Overeem (35-11 MMA, 3-0 SF). The fighter is now expected to compete in a United Glory event targeted for October, Martin De Jong, who promotes the Netherlands-based event and also trains Overeem for the Golden Glory fight team, told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com). "Since he is out of the [Strikeforce] tourney, we need to keep him busy, and I am honored to have him fighting at my show," De Jong wrote to MMAjunkie.com on Wednesday evening. Earlier that day, Overeem's picture popped up on a poster advertising the event, which is expected to take place in Moscow, Russia. That, of course, led to questions of the heavyweight's plans after his participation in the grand prix went south. Overeem was expected to fight Antonio Silva in the semifinals of the heavyweight grand prix, which is slated for Sept. 10 at U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati, after defeating Fabricio Werdum in the competition's opening round. But when he requested an October date for his second fight citing a nagging toe injury and insufficient preparation time Strikeforce moved on without him and installed tournament alternate Daniel Cormier as a replacement. Disappointing for the GP of course. But that's turned to pish since the UFC acquired SF. Can't blame Overeem for taking this though. It's at home and a chance to feed his family.
Short term view when contrasted to potentially winning the GP and setting up a Superfight with the UFC Champ though imo
True. But that remains to be seen. Il believe it when i see it. Overeem apparently has one fight left on his SF contract. I just dont see him signing an exclusive contract with the UFC.
I believe he has a champions clause in his Strikeforce deal so while that's true he's going nowhere. And I think Overeem would bite the UFC's hand off if they offered him a Diaz style contract.
Well see how K1 situation develops, or he may have no choice. Whether it's true or not, if he doesnt sign for Zuffa in whatever Org, it's damage his legacy irreparably if he's perceived to be ducking JDS/Cain ect to fight Mariuz Pudz on the European circuit and cameo's on DREAM cards
If I'm Overeem I pick up the phone to Eddie Hearn and ask for a spot on Prizefighter. I'm pretty sure he'd blitz through the standard of competition they have in those tournaments with ease. With a 'major' boxing victory under his belt he'd then have the leverage to get the deal he wants from the UFC.
Overeem would love to do that. But he doesn't have the conditioning for for 3 minutes of 9 rounds. Still it would work wonders for promoting himself. Exposure is everything in combat sports.
He'd have more experience in the tournament format than any boxer - look at how well Skelton did because of his K-1 experience. Its the only way he's going to do anything in boxing - outside of prizefighter he'd be eaten alive due to his (as you mentioned) suspect conditioning.
I would imagine Overeem wouldn't do much better than Pele Reid. Both were/are relatively similar fighters with kick boxing backgrounds, suspect conditioning and made the cross over to boxing ( although obviously Overeem hasn't yet ). I don't fancy Overeem to be successful but as you say this is his best opportunity considering the format. That said the exposure would be invaluable.
Correct me if wrong but wasnt it the UFC who bought the dates forward from the original date that Overeem previously agreed to? MMA journalists are some of the least professional.