In Google Images type: “Alistair Overeem Steroids” and click search.
In the top results you will find a timeline explicitly depicting the light heavyweight beanpole that he was in 2003 ballooning to a monster heavyweight complete with cartoon muscles. Even more remarkable, apart from the curious enlargement of Overeem’s head, is the 50 lbs of muscle he put on in two years.
For a long time now, the MMA fighter with a Mr. Olympia physique has been dogged with steroid rumours. He did, after all, gain all that lean mass in Japan where there is no drug testing. Fans even gave him the nickname “Overroid”; so obvious his steroid use seemed to most of us.
But so long as “The Reem” continued to pass drug tests, those enchanted by his burgeoning talent were willing to give him the benefit of doubt. That was until he came face to face with the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) and the whole edifice came tumbling down.
First, there was the missed drug test in the run-up to his fight with Brock Lesnar in Las Vegas. The NSAC surprised Overeem with an out-of-competition drug test more than a month before the fight, and the fighter suspiciously had to fly back to The Netherlands to attend his ailing mother. He missed the test and raised eyebrows, but he had a chance to redeem himself.
Having signed for the heavyweight championship fight against Junior Dos Santos, the NSAC gave him a conditional licence provided he would submit to two random tests at the time of their choosing. Being cornered at a press conference promoting the fight, and having failed in his bid to escape the test, Overeem was forced to provide a urine sample, and failed.
All that was forgiven was unforgiven. His entire legacy lay in tatters as commentators were quick to assume what they suspected all along—that Alistair Overeem was a steroid user for years before entering the UFC.
The fact that his shoddily put together NSAC hearing to make his case was so unconvincing; complete with inept doctor and an unknown vialhe was unsuspectingly injected with, is of no consequence.
Whether that excuse is legitimate or illegitimate, the air of derision hanging over the Dutchman is so overwhelming that the entire MMA world would collectively wince in disgust if he were to be given a title shot immediately on his return.
No other fighter who has tested positive for steroids has ever been treated that generously. Chael Sonnen, who failed a drug test following his middleweight championship loss to Anderson Silva, has had to wait two years and contest two fights after his suspension to get another shot.
Sonnen claimed the now famous testosterone-replacement-therapy (TRT) excuse for the reason why he failed, and that reason has been explicitly accepted after he was granted TRT exemption by Nevada. He’s also passed all the tests he’s had to undertake in the interim before signing for the Silva fight next month.
There’s a process of redemption Overeem has to now go through before he can legitimately claim a title shot. That process includes regaining the respect he had in the division and continuing to pass any series of tests the commissions have to throw at him. His campaign will begin after his suspension is lifted in December, after which, he should fight Mark Hunt – #RallyForMarkHunt!
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