Alistair Overeem might have missed his opportunity to fight for the UFC heavyweight title at UFC 146, but that won’t affect his future in the UFC.
Overeem is currently serving a nine-month suspension for failing his pre-fight drug test—he tested positive for elevated testosterone. The incident eventually cost him his spot in the main event, which ultimately was given to Frank Mir, but more importantly, it might have cost him his relationship with UFC president Dana White.
The colorful UFC boss is in no mood to conduct any further business with the Dutchman, recalling a sit-down with Overeem prior to signing with the company.
“He lied to me. He sat in front of us, he lied to us, I’m not interested,” White told MMAWeekly.com. “I don’t have to deal with people I don’t want to deal with and I don’t want to deal with him, Lorenzo (Fertitta) will.”
White said Overeem will have to reapply for his license following his suspension, which could mean the former Strikeforce heavyweight champion will return in December or early next year. “The Demolition Man” is 1-0 in the UFC, after he dominated Brock Lesnar in less than three minutes at UFC 141.
And despite his personal feelings towards Overeem, White said there will be no grudges held against him when he returns. He also said Overeem will remain in title contention.
“Yeah, I think he should (regain his standing in the division),” he said.
Although Overeem will stay in the title picture, it seems as if the UFC will not grant him an immediate title shot. Presuming that Junior dos Santos and Cain Velasquez will square off next, it is logical that Overeem will reaffirm his stance if he fights another top contender.
Fabricio Werdum is slated to face Mike Russow at UFC 147, and assuming he gets past the Chicago native, the Brazilian would be a formidable test to welcome back Overeem and set up the next challenger for the champion.
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