Alistair Overeem has heard the talk. He knows you think he’s overrated. He knows you think he’s just a musclebound bully. He knows you don’t think his knockouts, while spectacular, ever come against anyone of consequence. And he knows you don’t think he’d stand a chance in the UFC.
Overeem understands all that. But if it’s all so true, why am I a little afraid for Fabricio Werdum at Strikeforce Dallas this Saturday?
It’s probably because Overeem seems more than a little motivated to use Werdum as a proxy for all those Internet critics, then as a springboard to the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix title and, ultimately, the Octagon.
Whether any of it actually happens (and whether the doubts over his UFC readiness are justified) is anyone’s guess. But it’s all possible when you’re capable of finishing fights as quickly as Overeem.
Whether he is overrated or not, I can count on one hand the number of fighters with as much demonstrated stopping power.
To get you prepared (or perhaps desensitized) for the violence you might witness this Saturday at Strikeforce Dallas, we proudly present a power ranking of Overeem’s 10 career first-round knockouts. Please enjoy.