As the old saying goes, “bad news travels fast.” With that in mind, 99 percent of us living in the bubble that is the world of mixed martial arts already know that Alistair Overeem has tested positive for elevated testosterone levels.
If you didn’t know that, well, it’s true. Overeem and five other UFC heavyweight fighters, Junior dos Santos, Cain Velasquez, Antonio Silva, Frank Mir and Roy Nelson were all administered drug tests following the recent press conference for UFC 146. All passed with the exception of Overeem.
According to Nevada State Athletic Commission executive director Keith Kizer, in an email to Bleacher Report, Overeem had a testosterone to epitestosterone level of 10:1, putting him above allowable levels.
This failed test puts the UFC 146 main event on some very shaky ground. Overeem was set to meet UFC heavyweight champion Dos Santos on the May 26 fight card.
With four other heavyweight bouts on the main card, some shuffling may be needed. On the positive side, the UFC has nine other heavyweights trained and ready to step in for Overeem, which presents an interesting situation for UFC matchmaker Joe Silva.
Perhaps looking to make things a little easier on Silva, Frank Mir, who is scheduled to meet Cain Velasquez on the UFC 146 fight card, offered the following statement via email:
I would be excited if given the opportunity to compete for the UFC’s heavyweight title at UFC 146 if the reports released earlier today regarding Alistair Overeem failing his ‘A’ sample drug test are true.
I have been fortunate to be able to fight in the UFC for more than a decade, and it is a dream of mine to become the first three-time heavyweight champion in the UFC. Being able to fight Junior Dos Santos would put me one step closer to that dream.
The UFC has not issued an official statement on Overeem’s test results at this time.
Trent Reinsmith is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise stated, all quotes were obtained first-hand.
Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com