UFC President Dana White has just confirmed via Twitter that Frank Mir will replace Alistair Overeem in the Heavyweight Championship match set to take place at UFC 146.
“Taking off to Atlanta!!! May 26 th is now Mir vs JDS for the HW title in Las Vegas at MGM Grand,” tweeted White.
Overeem has been in hot water with White since failing a surprise drug test, showing testosterone levels of higher than 10-to-1. The Dutch kickboxing specialist is scheduled to have a hearing with the Nevada State Athletic Commission on April 24th to decide his fate, but it seems like White isn’t interested in waiting for those results.
The UFC president has openly expressed his frustration towards Overeem since the failed drug test, but it has not yet been announced whether or not he will release Overeem from the promotion. More information will likely come to light after ‘Reem’s NSAC hearing.
Some fans will be disappointed by this change, as many were looking forward to seeing Overeem and UFC heavyweight champ Junior dos Santos—who are both striking specialists—go at it.
However, Mir is a former UFC champion and a more than competent replacement. He is currently riding a three-fight win streak, which includes a devastating knockout victory over Mirko Cro Cop and an unbelievable submission victory over Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira.
Mir was originally scheduled to fight Cain Velasquez at UFC 146 in a No.1 contender’s match. As of yet, a new opponent for Velasquez has not been announced.
Andrew Barr is a Featured Columnist for BleacherReport.com and stand up comedian. Check him out on Twitter. @AndrewBarr8.
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