The MMA world is already searching for a replacement contender, but Alistair Overeem remains confident that he’ll still be the guy challenging Junior Dos Santos for the UFC heavyweight title.
After failing his pre-fight drug test for UFC 146, the former Strikeforce heavyweight champion finally broke his silence on Thursday and addressed the media regarding his bout with Dos Santos.
Overeem agreed to do the interview with Spike TV’s MMA Uncensored Live,but he refused to talk about performance-enhancing drugs and his pending case with the Nevada State Athletic Commission.
“I am bigger, I am stronger, I’m better in the standup, and I’m better on the ground. So for me, I’m not thinking about what he’s going to do to me,” Overeem said.
“I’m thinking about what I’m going to do to him, and I’m only thinking about what I’m going to do to him. I’m going to be ready wherever the fight takes me. I do prefer to strike. I do prefer a knockout over a submission win, but I’m going to be ready for anything. I’m strong, I’m fast, I feel good. I’m gonna get this guy.”
Overeem tested for an abnormally high T/E (testosterone to epitestosterone) ratio of 14:1 (whereas the average healthy male tests 1:1), and recently applied for a Nevada license. But before he can be granted license to fight, he must undergo a hearing before the commission, which is slated for April 24.
The most interesting part about Overeem’s recent interview is his composure. He seems incredibly confident he will be awarded license to fight Dos Santos on May 26.
In an interview with MMAWeekly, Nevada State Athletic Commission Executive Director Keith Kizer admitted Overeem’s chances of fighting are pretty dim.
Unless Overeem knows something we don’t, it’s highly unlikely he’ll get the green light from the commission.
If there is a trump card up his sleeve, it’ll have to be extraordinary to convince the commission otherwise.
There are always two sides to every story, and fans are certainly eager to hear Overeem’s side on April 24.
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