Alistair Overeem inched himself closer to his much-desired shot at the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Heavyweight title with his huge knockout win over Andrei Arlovski in the main event of UFC Fight Night 87 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. He also earned some bragging rights around the Jackson-Winkeljohn MMA gym in Albuquerque, N.M., where both he and “The Pitbull” train together (and not much else).
The impressive victory for Overeem was his fourth in as many fights (watch highlights right here). More important, though, is the fact that “The Reem” has won three of those fights via knockout. It’s results like those that will go a long way in determining whether or not he’s proven himself as a legit option for UFC matchmakers to consider when it comes time to hand out the next title shot.
Sure, Stipe Miocic gets next dibs at division kingpin Fabricio Werdum at UFC 198 later this month (more on that here), but Overeem could very well be next in line. And during his post-fight victory speech, the Dutchman was as confident as ever, saying that he expects to face off against the 265-pound champion this November in New York City, which will host UFC 205 inside Madison Square Garden.
Wishful thinking, or does he know something we don’t? But, that wasn’t enough for Overeem, who claimed that once he defeats the champ, his first title defense will be back in his home country.
When you look at the Heavyweight landscape, Overeem currently has the longest win streak in the division, aside from Werdum, of course. Still, we will likely have to see the outcome of Werdum vs. Miocic before we can start pegging Alistair as the next title contender, as anything — such as a result that will call for an instant rematch — can happen.
Plus, the outcome between the upcoming 265-pound showdown between Cain Velasquez and Travis Browne at UFC 200 (details) may also have a bearing in whether or not Overeem get’s his title shot next, or perhaps a showdown against the winner of the aforementioned fight.
If you ask me, it’s high time Alistair gets what is rightfully his.