Recently departed UFC fighter Alistair Overeem will return to his first love of kickboxing. The 41-year old signs with GLORY to a multi-fight contract and is expected to make his promotional debut later this year.
Welcome back, @Alistairovereem
➡️ https://t.co/7RTHMARhQM pic.twitter.com/DIaMx5PRCA
— GLORY Kickboxing (@GLORY_WS) June 8, 2021
The former DREAM and Strikeforce Heavyweight Champion has not competed in a kickboxing event since winning the K-1 World Grand Prix back in December of 2010. Back before switching to mixed martial arts, Overeem was one of the best kickboxers the sport had ever seen, where he faces a list of legendary stars in that realm such as Peter Aerts, and Gokhan Saki, whom he defeated, including Tyrone Doing to win the Grand Prix.
During that time, Overeem split his time between kickboxing and MMA, fighting not only in K-1, but also won there, along with DREAM and Strikeforce. 2010 and 2011 were banner years for the heavyweight. The Dutchman went 12-8 in the UFC that included notable wins over Brock Lesnar, Antonio Silva, Roy Nelson, Fabricio Werdum, and Frank Mir.
Overeem’s last fight that wasn’t in the Octagon was back in June of 2011 when he defeated Werdum before facing him again in the UFC. GLORY is considered the top kickboxing promotion in the world as Overeem, as many would imagine, will fight in the heavyweight division. The organization’s champion in that division is Rick Verhoeven. No word on who will be Overeem’s first opponent.
