Back in May 2012, Alistair Overeem and Junior dos Santos were supposed to fight for the UFC heavyweight title.
Dos Santos held the belt at that time, having cut down everyone the promotion put in front of him. For his part, Overeem was on an 11-fight win streak and had just made a successful UFC debut by knocking out Brock Lesnar in the first round of their UFC 141 bout.
The UFC 146 was to be a true clash of the titans featuring two of the most highly regarded strikers in the heavyweight division. It was also one of the most highly anticipated bouts of 2012.
Unfortunately, Overeem failed a pre-fight drug test and incurred a suspension that forced him off the card. Former champion Frank Mir stepped in to take his place, but ever since, people have still remained intrigued by a possible dos Santos vs. Overeem showdown.
Don’t count dos Santos as one of those people, however, as the Brazilian has made it quite clear he has no interest in settling the score.
“Bigfoot [Silva] put him in his place,” dos Santos told Terra (via Fighters Only). “I no longer feel the wish to face him, but I fight whomever the UFC puts in front of me.”
Last year, dos Santos expressed his disdain for fighters who are “made at the laboratory,” not so subtly referencing Overeem, and it appears from his more recent statements that nothing has changed. Only now, dos Santos is calling Overeem to task for his mouth.
“The limited fighters, guys who don’t believe in themselves, who don’t dedicate to the training and don’t take it seriously are the ones who make it to call for attention,” he says, once again in reference to Overeem.
So there there you have it. Dos Santos wants no part of Overeem. Of course, that doesn’t mean a future tussle is impossible. In fact, his comments might just force the UFC’s hand since the promotion loves a grudge match and the dos Santos-Overeem rivalry looks to be headed that way.
So, if you’re clinging to the dream of that heavyweight slugfest, don’t give up hope just yet.
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