You're Fired! Heavyweight Champion Alistair Overeem Released From Strikeforce
by Kaleb Kelchner on Jul 29, 2011 9:57 PM EDT
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On the eve of Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Henderson massive news has dropped regarding Strikeforce Heavyweight Champion Alistair Overeem. Overeem has been released from the company after refusing to fight on Strikeforce's upcoming September show. "The Reem" cited a toe injury as what was keeping him from taking part in the event, but is now signed for a kickboxing match in Russia come October. Inside MMA on HD Net reported that not only is Overeem nursing his injured toe, but also dealing with a rib and elbow injury to boot.
What's going on behind the scenes is anyone's guess. The Zuffa brass may not have been pleased with Overeem's inability to make the fight in September, or this could be a play to get Overeem in the UFC. For all we know, there could have been unaired fallout due to negotiations that led Zuffa to believe they were wasting time working with Overeem. Hopefully, more details come out over the weekend, and the future of this heavyweight powerhouse becomes a little clearer.
After the jump, video of Inside MMA's segment on Overeem's release.
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So, what are the chances that Velasquez is injured, Overeem signs with the UFC, and fights JDS for an interim title? Yes? No? Maybe so?
Trying to stay optimistic.
Twitter me @kkelchner621
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by Kaleb Kelchner on Jul 29, 2011 10:56 PM EDT reply actions
On top of not exactly being in Dana’s good graces, I don’t think Reem’s got enough popularity in the US to main event a PPV.
The really bad thing? If Cain can’t fight, the best replacement choice is probably Frank Mir.
by The so-called Beautiful on Jul 29, 2011 11:04 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
For what it’s worth, that was actually my first thought. I haven’t read any recent updates on Velasquez’s condition, but I remember reading a while back that he was progressing slower than expected. A JDS/Overeem superfight has me very intrigued, though I hope Cain isn’t having serious rehab trouble. Maybe he’ll get Mir in a title eliminator.
I suppose all this Zuffa speculation is ultra-optimistic. As a kickboxing fan, I wouldn’t exactly be against Overeem/Hari III either.
Also, a minor correction:
“The Reem” … is now signed for a kickboxing match in Russia come October.Martijn de Jong has said it will “probably [be] a MMA match”
by StreetofCrocodiles on Jul 30, 2011 12:01 AM EDT up reply actions
You think there’s any chance we’ll get Overeem showing up at local MMA shows with his belt? How about taunting Dana White at a comic book convention by insinuating that he’s slept with his wife?
Also, the reference to "YOU’RRRRRE FIRRRRRREED" in the headline is marvelous.
by StreetofCrocodiles on Jul 29, 2011 10:57 PM EDT reply actions
Thank you, I used to run a “You’re Fired!” series that would hit a few days after major UFC events when there were at least 3 or 4 cuts regularly come Monday, but that died down. Vince was my inspiration then.
And I lol’d at the thought of Overeem pulling a Punk. Next UFC Expo Overeem would be there parading around with the title.
Twitter me @kkelchner621
Read me at Cageside Seats
by Kaleb Kelchner on Jul 29, 2011 11:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Now, that is the kind of MMA feature for a site like Cageside! :) I actually look forward to reading one of those when Chael’s career inevitably goes nova (again).
by StreetofCrocodiles on Jul 30, 2011 12:20 AM EDT up reply actions
Overeem’s belt has less meaning than any pro wrestling title.
by The so-called Beautiful on Jul 30, 2011 12:00 AM EDT up reply actions
Ok, then maybe he can have a lineal title belt created and he can start referring to himself as "The Real World’s Champion." Whatever it takes to have Overeem heeling on Dana White during post-fight Helwani interviews.
by StreetofCrocodiles on Jul 30, 2011 12:18 AM EDT up reply actions
Ah the Lineal Belt the creation of Pride fanboys who are still in denial that it’s over with and the only titles that matters are in the UFC. To me this was along time coming, when Dana said that he was going to start taking more control of things I smiled because I knew business was about to pick up.
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