UFC heavyweight contender Alistair Overeem will headline the promotion’s debut in The Netherlands, although an opponent hasn’t been confirmed yet.
With his decision to re-sign with the UFC now official, heavyweight contender Alistair Overeem will be returning to his home country for his next fight. Overeem confirmed to fans on Twitter that he will be the headliner for the Rotterdam, The Netherlands card on Sunday, May 8th.
And yes, I will be headlining UFC Rotterdam! pic.twitter.com/FRyH7VMyYc
— Alistair Overeem (@Alistairovereem) February 15, 2016
UFC Rotterdam is scheduled to air on Fox Sports 1, so that pretty much nixes any thoughts about Overeem fighting Fabricio Werdum. If you make the assumption that Werdum will fight Stipe Miocic at UFC 198 on May 14th in Brazil, these are the top options currently available to Overeem:
Cain Velasquez. He’s currently recovering from back surgery and it would certainly be odd if he ended up fighting the week before Werdum does. I say this is an available option for Overeem, but I seriously doubt the UFC books a fight like this for a Sunday FS1 show.
Travis Browne. Of course, Browne knocked out Overeem with a front kick in August 2013, but Overeem had Browne badly hurt in the early stages and a rematch is more than justifiable.
Josh Barnett. Just lost to Ben Rothwell last month but did headline a Fight Night in Japan just last year. It’s winner vs. loser matchmaking but would still be a good enough matchup in Overeem’s favor.
Otherwise, I recommend perusing the UFC heavyweight top 15 and then realize just how badly this division needs new contenders (cough)Jones, Cormier, Rumble(cough).
With tickets on sale March 24th, an official announcement on Overeem’s next opponent should be revealed within the next few weeks or so.