Alistair Overeem scheduled for December 30 dance with Brock Lesnar

The UFC’s heavyweight division got a major boost today with the announcement that Alistair Overeem – a champion in K-1, DREAM, and Strikeforce – had signed with the promotion and will make his Octagon debut this December 30 against former title-holder Brock Lesnar.

Overeem’s addition to the roster was confirmed through the UFC’s website.

Today’s signing should mark the conclusion of the conflict between Zuffa and Overeem’s management team at Golden Glory. The 35-11 “Demolition Man” was left in limbo last July when his inability to compete in the Strikeforce Grand Prix Semifinal round resulted in a contractual hold initially believed to be a full release, though publicly a matter of how fighters were being paid was said to be at the root of the problem.

Overeem Responds to Strikeforce Release

Equally exciting as Overeem’s signing was attached news regarding his rhubarb with Lesnar to close out 2011. In standard form, the New Year’s Eve weekend event will take place in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

When the two meet in the ring it will have been more than a year since Lesnar last fought after another bout of diverticulitis laid waste to a scheduled match-up with Junior dos Santos this past June. The popular 34-year old holds an overall record of 5-2 with UFC wins over Heath Herring, Randy Couture, Frank Mir, and Shane Carwin.

PHOTO CREDIT – UFC