Alistair Overeem announced earlier today (Mon., Feb. 15, 2016) that — much like this guy — he recently inked a contract extension with Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), one that will see the heavyweight bruiser remain with the promotion for the foreseeable future.
During a recent stop at The MMA Hour, “The Reem” elaborated on his decision to stay put and not use his free agent status to head elsewhere. In fact, the talented striker says he didn’t even have conversations with other promotions.
“After the JDS fight I was a free agent, but I am happy to report that I re-signed with UFC. They have been very cordial toward me and I am very happy and very excited and I feel very appreciated. These are all factors to reach the deal. UFC is the prime fight promotion in the world. I didn’t talk to anybody else. But I can tell you that UFC has the best fighters, I consider myself the best fighter and I belong in UFC. That’s how simple it is. I looked at everything, you have to be appreciated, respected, and finances is a part of the equation, as well. But the big part is the UFC title, that’s the one that is missing. I have a few good years left in me and that is what is missing. You have to go for the highest and I believe it’s the UFC strap.”
Furthermore, Overeem has been pegged to spearhead the upcoming Rotterdam event on May 8, 2016 which will be “Reem’s” first fight in his home country in over eight years.
Currently riding a three-fight win streak with victories over Stefan Struve, Roy Nelson, and most recently Junior dos Santos, Alistair could be staring down the barrel of a shot at the 265-pound title with another “W.”
Question is, what will be the next challenge Overeem has to pass in order to get to the big dance?