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It would be the first main event of Sakai’s UFC career.
After a dramatic comeback win in May, Alistair Overeem is in line for another UFC main event spot.
The former Strikeforce and DREAM heavyweight champion is slated to face Brazil’s Augusto Sakai on September 5th, per ESPN’s Marc Raimondi.
Overeem (46-18, 1 NC) is coming off a second-round TKO of Walt Harris at UFC Jacksonville, a fight in which the Dutchman recovered from nearly being knocked out in the opening round to get the victory. He’s won three of his last four, with that lone defeat coming in the final seconds against Jairzinho Rozenstruik.
Sakai (15-1-1) has won six straight contests, including a rather dull decision over Blagoy Ivanov in the UFC on ESPN: Woodley vs. Burns co-main event at the end of May. His other UFC wins have come against Marcin Tybura, Chase Sherman, and Andrei Arlovski. Overeem would represent a considerable step up in competition as he looks to earn a title shot.
UFC president Dana White did indicate that should the COVID-19 pandemic worsen in Nevada to the point of tightening restrictions, the promotion would stay in Abu Dhabi beyond just the month of July.
No other fights are currently targeted for this September 5th show.