Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva and Alistair Overeem both train with the Blackzilian camp, but that doesn’t mean they see eye to eye.
The former Strikeforce heavyweights understand their paths could cross one day in the UFC, and according to Rashad Evans, they refuse to train together.
Overeem is slated to face Junior dos Santos for the UFC heavyweight title in May.
While he puts work in with the Blackzilian camp in Florida, Silva’s original home still lies with Team Nogueira, which features the Nogueira brothers, Anderson Silva and Dos Santos.
Portal do Vale Tudo recently caught up with the heavyweight star to get his thoughts on the upcoming championship bout between Dos Santos and Overeem.
“In a fight, anything can happen. They are two very strong fighters, top of the category. I don’t see how Overeem can beat [Dos Santos]. Overeem is a lion, but when [Dos Santos] hits him, he’ll turn into a kitten. Overeem’s fighting spirit will return to the locker room when [Dos Santos] lands a punch.”
Overeem has struggled when faced with adversity in the past. His losses in Pride to Mauricio “Shogun” Rua and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira are the first that come to mind.
After a strong start in both bouts, Overeem immediately began to wilt when his opponents survived his early onslaught and began to land shots of their own.
As a heavyweight, “The Reem” has found new life. His new-found physique and dedication to the sport has helped him capture the Strikeforce heavyweight title, Dream interim heavyweight title and K-1 World Grand Prix title.
Will a UFC title be next?
“In a fight, anything can happen.” Silva couldn’t have said it any better. This is especially true when you have two heavyweight strikers boasting one-punch knockout power.
As for MMA fans, the clichéd saying, “don’t blink”, should do just fine.
Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com