Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Alistair Overeem had a commanding lead over Jairzinho Rozenstruik leading into the fifth round of their main event showdown last night (Sat., Dec. 7, 2019) at UFC on ESPN 7 live on ESPN from inside Capital One Arena in Washington D.C., but ultimately came up short when “Bigi Boy” landed a brutal right hand with just a few seconds on the clock.
This was obviously a crushing defeat for “The Reem.” Not only did the loss end a two-fight win streak for the former UFC title challenger but the heavyweight veteran had his lip split open by Rozenstruik’s right hand which left Overeem bloody and temporarily disfigured.
Following the loss, Overeem took to Twitter to discuss the final moments of the fight. While he does not agree with the stoppage — seeing as Overeem was returning to his feet as the referee called a stop to the action — there’s not much the veteran can do about it now.
Getting stitched up. Lip not to sexy at the moment.. a little bit a fast stoppage if u ask me – but hope u guys enjoyed the fight
— Alistair Overeem (@Alistairovereem) December 8, 2019
“Getting stitched up,” wrote Overeem. “Lip not to sexy at the moment.. a little bit a fast stoppage if u ask me – but hope u guys enjoyed the fight.”
Overeem, 39, was winning the fight on the judges’ scorecards entering the fifth round and may have even won the last five minutes as well. Unfortunately, he lost his focus for a split second and it allowed Rozenstruik to land a vicious right hand that launched “Reem” into the cage. And who knows, if the fight wasn’t stopped maybe Overeem could have survived the final few seconds to hold onto a decision win.
For now, Overeem will have to take some time off to heal his lip and ready himself for an ultra-important rebound campaign in 2020.
For complete UFC on ESPN 7 results and coverage click here.