Never say never.
When Strikeforce heavyweight champion Alistair Overeem was released by Strikeforce, it was feared that he was forever done with Zuffa.
Thankfully, that's not the case.
It was reported two weeks ago that "The Reem" was negotiating with Zuffa about a potential UFC deal, but there was never any confirmation from Zuffa's end.
Until now.
UFC President Dana White briefly mentioned Overeem during an appearance on The Dan LeBatard Show with ESPN's Sports Talk 790 in Miami yesterday. What did he have to say?
Quote:
"We're talking to Overeem. When everything fell apart, you guys heard me come out and say, 'We can't do business with these guys the way these guys want to do business,' meaning his management. Well they've changed their opinions on how they can do business with us, so now we can."
Alistair Overeem is/was the reigning Strikeforce heavyweight champion and had recently avenged a past loss to Fabricio Werdum in the first round of the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix. Overeem is also the defending K-1 World Grand Prix champion, having defeated three men in one night last December to capture the crown.
White had previously mentioned serious issues with Overeem's management, Golden Glory, as a key factor in the decision to release not only Overeem but his teammates Marloes Coenen, and Jon Olav Einemo as well.
It appears for now that both sides have decided to play nice.
Now the big question is, how long until we see "The Demolition Man" fighting in the UFC?
Got any predictions, Maniacs?
Source: Dana White confirms that UFC is negotiating with Alistair Overeem
