The Back and Forth Continues: Overeem now Accepts Fedor's Challenge
By: Brian Lopez-Benchimol Posted On: September 4, 2010 at 7:13am
Alistair Overeem, the Strikeforce heavyweight champion, is conceding to Fedor Emelianenko‘s proposal–but on his own terms.
The former consensus number one heavyweight fighter in the world, Emelianenko–who ruled the division for over 7 years–went on record with management company M-1 Global, and made his intentions know for who he wants next on his plate. Title or no title, Fedor is looking to earn back some clout he lost in his bout with Fabricio Werdum–the only man to date to definitively defeat the famed Russian–with a win over Overeem.
The heavyweight K-1 contender, who competes in this years Grand Prix, wants in on the Fedor fight. However, Alistair is now proposing that should the former Pride Champion remain patient, he would like to meet him in the cage following this years culmination.
“About the fight I can be short”, said Overeem in a snippet picked up by MiddleEasy.com.
“The fight is definite. I’ve waited long enough for Fedor, [he] did not answer so now I do K-1. Fedor and M-1 may now wait for me. And all that happiness around ‘M-1 and characters’ does not amuse me.
“However, the fight ‘Overeem vs. Fedor’ will definitely [happen], no one has to be afraid of that.”
From the Dutch strikers lips to God’s ears–that’s the fight the fans want to see.
The ultra successful MMA/Kickboxer Overeem has seen a resurgence in his career since moving back up the heavyweight class after a three-fight losing streak in the 205-pound division beginning in 2006 against top flight competition. Since then, he has gone 9-1-1, with his lone loss coming in 2007 against dangerous striker Sergei Kharitonov. In addition, Alistair has racked up notable wins against the likes of Mark Hunt (current UFC competitor), Gary Goodridge, Kazuyuki Fujita, Paul Buentello, and most recently Brett Rogers last May under the Strikeforce banner, in a successful title defense.
So MMA peeps, given Alistair Overeem’s change of heart, is this fight we all want to see next? For nostalgia, a rematch pitting Werdum against “The Demolition Man” would make the most sense, however the Brazilian grappling ace will be out for the remainder of 2010 and early 2011 due to an elbow surgery. Should the fight be contested for the title? Or would you like to see Fedor earn a victory before stepping back in there against the champ? Lets your opinions known below.
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Comments
mma politics hard to understand mister Overeems ambition but he has a point m1 shuld face the consequence four their curvy action
Yeah because the fair, chronological order of title-shots is such a trait of MMA as a sport. Why become pious now, all of a sudden? I take it that’s just a sarcastic rhetorical question on your part! Of course this is what we want to see. The sooner, the better!
No, real fans want to see Overeem vs. Werdum first. One of the best K-1 fighters vs. an ADCC champion.
Been waiting for this fight to happen ever since Fedor Signed on with Strikeforce.
@stig
of course it rhetorical–I have invested interest in sparking up conversations that will allow people to think exostentially when it comes to fights, looking past the obvious and declaring what their connections are with said match ups. OWNED
the fight will be with fedors brother, no with him
Fedor vs Overeem is a fight that must happen. Regardless Fedor last fight in which he got caught by a triangular choke after dropping werdum with their first exhanges lol. Brett Rogers got a shot at Overeem after getting his ass knocked out by Fedor. Out of all the fighters Fedor should definitely get a title shot even though his last match wasn’t as successful. Fedor is truly a beast and i want this fight to finally go down.
Finally, Overeem is openly into this. This would be the fight I’ve been waiting for, and I have no doubt that when it goes down it will live up to expectations. Ubereeeeeeeeem v Fedoooooooooooooor. That’s supposed to be the announcer talking, I can’t wait.
actually, no. Aleksander Emelianenko was a rumored fight, but was never actually put together–according to Overeem himself.
Here’s an article I wrote on the topic.
Come on, get real that is a fight that everyone has been waiting for so put the contract together and lets get it on. Enough talk lets fight !!!
I have been hoping for this fight for such a long time, however it doesn’t seem as exciting since Fedor lost his last match. Which makes it even more messed up is that the champion of strikeforce always has to accept fights against people that lost their last fight. Overeem and Fedor should be in the UFC, their heavyweight is too one dimensional. I am really curious how Lesnar would match up against an Overeem or a Fedor.
Fedor will blast this guy. Overeem is good but not as well rounded as The Emperor. Can’t wait to see it