Two months removed from his license being revoked by the Nevada Athletic State Commission, Dutch behemoth and UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) resident Alistair Overeem has decided to set the record.
From Overeem, originally reported by MMAFighting.com:
When I had the positive test result, I didn’t know why that was and I didn’t want to talk about something that I didn’t know about. By the time we researched it, I had just gotten out of this situation in front of the commission. To avoid, if we were going to do all the questions which come from the media, that’s not going to solve the situation, especially if you didn’t know where it comes from or what you’re talking about.
I didn’t think that was the right thing to do. So we decided to do research, stay quiet, when we did have the research done we went in front of the commission and we explained our side of the story.
Like I explained in front of the commission, this was due to medication I received from a licensed doctor, due to injury,” he said. “This caused a spike in my T-E ratio, and, yeah, I did it, took responsibility for it, stepped away from a title fight, and now I’m slowly building up the confidence with the commission by doing random tests, monthly tests, to show that I am a clean fighter, this is to prove that I am legit.
What I want to show the world is that I am a clean fighter, I’ll do these tests on my own. One test doesn’t say anything. If I do these tests every three to four weeks, then you prove to everyone that you are clean, the medical staff is observing you taking the test, so there’s no foul play involved.
…
What I’m hoping to achieve is that I can prove to the world that I am a clean fighter. I’m doing it for myself as well as for the fans. For me, myself, my fans, for the commission, I am a clean fighter.
Less than eight weeks before his scheduled bout with UFC heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos at UFC 146, it was disclosed that the former Strikeforce, Dream and K-l heavyweight titlist had failed a pre-fight drugs test—his testosterone-to-epitestosterone level (14-1) was more than twice over the allowed ratio of 6-1.
For the aforementioned infraction, he was denied a license application for nine months. In addition, he was subsequently bounced from the main event and supplanted by Frank Mir.
The 32-year-old’s eligibility to fight in the Zuffa-based promotion is dependent on whether his reapplication for a license is successful. His due date commences on Dec. 27.
“The Demolition Man” made his UFC debut against former heavyweight titlist and current WWE wrestler Brock Lesnar at UFC 141.
The match in question was to determine who would vie for Santo’s coveted crown.
In a heavyweight clash of epic proportion, Overeem dispatched Lesnar with ease, thus cementing his place as the No. 1 contender and effectively sending the latter into retirement.
However, since his drugs violation, former heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez has moved back into title contention following his shellacking of Antonio Silva, and as a consequence, Overeem now finds himself on the outside looking in at No. 2.
At present, Sherdog rank him the No. 3 heavyweight in MMA (mixed martial arts).
Albeit that might be the case, Overeem (36-11-1NC MMA, 1-0 UFC) begs to differ and believes the status quo of the division will change once he’s back in the mix.
“When I’m back in there, hopefully in December, hopefully for the title, I’m going to show the world I’m No. 1.”
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