The hype surrounding UFC 141 just got even bigger.
When heavyweight giants Brock Lesnar and Alistair Overeem square off in the main event, they will be competing for more than just Octagon supremacy. It was learned earlier this week that the winner will receive a future title shot against either Cain Velasquez or Junior dos Santos.
UFC President Dana White confirmed the news and is intrigued at idea of seeing both heavyweights compete, especially the newly-acquired Overeem.
“I’m excited to see what Alistair Overeem has,” the UFC boss told MMAWeekly.com.
“It’s going to be a really good gauge to find out where Alistair really sits in the heavyweight division.”
Overeem served as the former Strikeforce champion while competing under the brand, and was participating in the promotion’s Heavyweight Grand Prix tournament before a toe injury forced him out of action. Shortly after, the Dutch striker’s contract negotiations and back-and-forth battle with management led to his departure from the company.
Lesnar, meanwhile, has been out of action since last year, as he battled his second bout with diverticulitis. He was last seen in the Octagon at UFC 122, where he lost the heavyweight title to Cain Velasquez. The former WWE superstar has been a huge draw for the UFC and has brought a lot of financial success.
The inclusion of Overeem has added more competition to the UFC heavyweight division. This fight will undoubtedly be the biggest challenge in the careers of both fighters. For either Lesnar or Overeem, the opportunity to earn another title shot might not happen again, and the chances of staying in contention might get slimmer and slimmer.
Right now, there is no more important bout for either of them than what lies ahead at UFC 141.
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