According to Swedish website MMAnytt.se, Alistair Overeem is all set to sign an exclusive contract with the UFC. MMAnytt.se first reported the news Monday morning. According to the report, the contract will be exclusive to the UFC, effectively ending the kickboxing career for the K-1 champion.
When and against whom he debuts is not yet clear, but is expected to take place late 2011 or early 2012.
Fans have long been speculating who Overeem should fight from the UFC, with names like Frank Mir, Brock Lesnar and Shane Carwin having been thrown around.
While many were disappointed that Overeem was replaced in the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix by Daniel Cormier due to reported injuries, news of his signing with the UFC has fans excited about the addition to their heavyweight division.
Having won his last seven fights, Overeem is undefeated since September 2007 with one no contest, having defended the Strikeforce heavyweight title and claiming the DREAM interim heavyweight title in that stretch.
UPDATE – Overeem is denying the report by MMAnytt.se on his official Twitter account, writing, “The Swedish website that posted that I’m on my way to Vegas to sign the UFC contract is WRONG!”
UPDATE #2 – Although Overeem has denied reports, Swedish website MMAnytt.se is standing by the report that Overeem is signing an exclusive contract with the UFC, stating, “…several different sources we have been in contact with has confirmed it all.”
More on this developing story as it becomes available.
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