Fans in the combat sports world have long loved their heavyweight divisions. No matter what promotion is on screen, the big men in the business will always get the love. That is why it has been so difficult to watch former K-1 World Grand Prix winner Alistair Overeem continue to drop the ball in his opportunity to push towards the top of the mountain within MMA’s heavyweight division. And after his recent defeat at the hands of Ben Rothwell at UFC Fight Night 50, one must wonder if the fighter formerly known as “The Demolition Man” should officially be considered a bust. Not only that, but the fight community can’t help but wonder whether that defeat was his last appearance in the UFC’s Octagon.
Imagine a world where Overeem was fighting in Bellator‘s circular cage against Bobby Lashley. Or appearing in World Series of Fighting, where he would be an odds on favorite to become the promotion’s first heavyweight champion. Imagine a world where Overeem fights lesser opponents and continues to collect big paychecks. If the imagination fails, then just wait a little longer, because this most recent loss to Ben Rothwell makes this a near reality.
There was a time when Overeem was considered one of the best big men in the sport. From 2007 through 2011 he was undefeated, stopping opponents in a variety of ways. The announcement that he was being brought over to the UFC from Strikeforce was a major one, as he was the second-biggest name in the division after Fedor Emelianenko. And his debut, a devastating defeat of Brock Lesnar at UFC 141, was impressive. But unfortunately, Overeem’s tenure within the promotion has not been anywhere near as successful. With just two wins and three losses — all by knockout — Overeem is teetering on the edge of being jettisoned by the organization.
Fortunately for the Dutch fighter, he’s fighting in a division that needs a name such as his. If he fought at welterweight or lightweight, Overeem would have most likely been sent on his way after his previous defeat. Instead, his name value not only kept him in the promotion’s employ, but one or two wins away from a title shot. Or, it did up until last Saturday. Because on the other hand, Overeem’s name value comes with a large price tag. He has made six figures for each of his Octagon appearances. Fighters such as Jon Fitch and Yushin Okami were winning bouts at a much higher clip, but their high price tags played a part in their contracts being terminated. So would anyone be surprised if “The Reem” suffered a fate that was similar to theirs?
Alistair Overeem is no doubt a man that garners attention where ever he goes. And he still has the skillset to look impressive against overmatched opposition. However, against the best fighters the sport has to offer in his weight class, he just hasn’t measured up. Sadly, he has not been able to perform up to the level of attention, hype, and money that he has received as a member of the UFC’s roster. Even if he doesn’t receive a pink slip for his latest letdown, the UFC’s heavyweight division isn’t strengthened by Overeem remaining near the top of it. And if it isn’t over for “The Reem” right now, his days with the promotion are definitely numbered.
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UFC Fight Night 50: Jacare vs. Mousasi took place on September 5, 2014 at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Ledyard, Connecticut.
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