Former UFC title challenger Alistair Overeem has been released by the UFC.
In addition to Overeem being released, the company opted to release Junior dos Santos as well. Following his loss to Alexander Volkov, the promotion announced on Thursday that the “Demolition Man” is no longer on the heavyweight roster. Despite being released, there is already speculation as to where Overeem will go. While some think he may retire, the heavyweight is a born fighter.
The final run has come to an end, but what a run it has been. After 10 years in the UFC I can say this has been the experience of a lifetime. Grateful to the @ufc the fans and all fighters. A special thank you to @danawhite and Lorenzo Fertitta for making everything possible. pic.twitter.com/Kr9Xa6xbRu
— Alistair Overeem (@Alistairovereem) March 4, 2021
During his UFC tenure, Overeem notched solid wins over great competition. In fact, many of his wins came over former UFC champions, like Fabricio Werdum, Andrei Arlovski, and dos Santos. Each time out, Overeem brought the action to the cage and was never in a boring fight.
Heavyweights Including Alistair Overeem Released By The UFC
Overeem’s professional career started in 1999. The mere fact that this heavyweight competes at the highest level even today, is a huge feat. It wouldn’t represent his career accurately without mentioning some of his accolades. In his time competing, the Netherlands-born athlete won belts in just about every promotion he fought in.
Even though Overeem did not achieve the pinnacle in the UFC, his legend will certainly live on. The Dutch-fighter collected belts and ultimately started in the UFC with the following credentials: former Strikeforce Heavyweight Champion, DREAM Heavyweight Champion, and K-1 World Grand Prix Champion. Prior to his departure from the UFC, the heavyweight spoke on Twitter to inform his fanbase of the news.
“The final run has come to an end, but what a run it has been. Overeem said. After 10 years in the UFC, I can say this has been the experience of a lifetime.”
Overall, it appears he is leaving with no hard feelings. Now the question is, where does he go next?
Give us your thoughts below! Do you think Alistair Overeem will retire or just compete in a different promotion?