Strikeforce heavyweight champion Alistair Overeem's run with the organization apparently is over.

Officials have released the heavyweight kingpin from Strikeforce's roster, according to a report from HDNet's "Inside MMA" show.

MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) confirmed the release with a source close to the fighter, though details weren't available. Officials reportedly exercised their right to eliminate the one remaining fight on his contract.

As MMAjunkie.com reported earlier this week, Overeem (35-11 MMA, 3-0 SF) recently withdrew from the organization's eight-man heavyweight grand prix. Overeem, who defeated Fabricio Werdum in an opening-round matchup back in June, was slated to fight Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva in the semifinals. However, when Showtime and Strikeforce officials were forced to move the event from October to a Sept. 10 show scheduled for Cincinnati, Overeem said he wouldn't be ready due to a broken toe.

According to "Inside MMA," Overeem, though, also is dealing with a broken rib and injured elbow.

Nevertheless, Overeem recently was booked for an October kickboxing event as part of a United Glory event in his native Netherlands.

As MMAjunkie.com reported at the time of the booking, sources said Overeem was in the process of working out a new contract with the promotion, which may have contributed to his unwillingness to compete for Strikeforce in September. It may also explain his recently expressed desire to challenge champion boxers Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko in a boxing contest – a strategy similar to the one Nick Diaz used to leverage his Strikeforce title into a shot at the UFC's welterweight belt.

Daniel Cormier ultimately took Overeem's spot in the tournament. Overeem's future now appears uncertain.

One thing is for sure, though. Now that the UFC's parent company owns Strikeforce, Overeem's chances of competing in either of the world's two most recognizable promotions are virtually nonexistent if the release is due to ill will. Barring a surprise move to the UFC, Overeem is going to be the sport's top free agent – but one far too expensive for most organizations to afford.

Overeem, who hasn't been defeated in four years and his past 11 fights, won the Strikeforce belt in 2007 and defended the title just once (against Brett Rogers) during his reign. The run included numerous overseas fights for other organizations, as well as an active K-1 kickboxing career.



Source: Strikeforce releases heavyweight champ Alistair Overeem