“The Reem” is headed to Albuquerque.
Alistair Overeem confirmed with MMAFighting.com that has officially decided to train for his next fight at the famed Jackson-Winkeljohn camp in New Mexico.
“I was planning to go there all along, even before I signed with Glenn [Robinson of Authentic Sports Management],” he said, “but after signing, I didn’t find it necessary. Then when I fought Travis [Browne], I couldn’t go there as Travis is fighting from that gym. Ditto with [Frank] Mir.
“So, now in my time off, [I’m] not sitting around but getting reorganized again. Making great progress and feeling very optimistic.”
Overeem underwent successful elbow surgery Wednesday — the first surgery of his career — in Florida. Overeem was told the surgery would last three hours, but it ended up being 12 hours long. His recovery time is expected to be three-to-six weeks. The injured rib, which prevented him from accepting a proposed fight against Junior dos Santos, has all but healed, he said.
“He is going to try it out and see if he gels with the team,” Greg Jackson said.
Browne, who defeated Overeem last August, appeared excited to train with the Dutch-born fighter.
“Happy to have him,” he said. “Iron sharpens iron. And that’s genuine. The coaches pulled me into the office and asked me if it would be OK with me. I told them I’d love it. I can learn from him.”
Overeem joined the Blackzilians in early 2012, however, over time both sides began to drift and he spent no time training for his UFC 169 fight against Mir at the gym in South Florida. He is no longer represented by Authentic Sports Management, either.
The 33-year-old Overeem (37-13, 1 NC) doesn’t have his next fight lined up yet.