Alistair Overeem Still Prefers MMA, Even as He Seeks K-1 Title
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11/27/2009 11:20 AM ET By Michael David Smith
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- Michael David Smith
- Michael David Smith is FanHouse's Lead Blogger
Even as he prepares to fight in the K-1 World Grand Prix Final on December 5, Ailstair Overeem is making it clear that he considers himself an MMA fighter first and a kickboxer second.
"My passion is in MMA," said Overeem, the Strikeforce heavyweight champion. "That's what I like to do. But now that I beat Peter Aerts (to get to) the Final 8, I feel like the title is within reach, so I'm going to get it."
K-1 seems to like playing up the MMA vs. K-1 angle when promoting Overeem, and no matter how he does in the Grand Prix Final, K-1 is hoping to have Overeem fight in its sister MMA promotion, Dream, next year. Overeem says he wants to fight Fedor Emelianenko next year, either in Dream or Strikeforce.
In any event, Overeem is a fascinating athlete to watch, and I'm looking forward to seeing him next weekend. But I think he's better at MMA than he is at kickboxing, and I'm glad to know he still considers MMA his specialty.
Read More: DREAM Strikeforce K1 News Ailstair+Overeem, AilstairOvereem
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Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Fedor is the hardest puncher in MMA but Overeem has better overall striking. I think the only problem with Overeem's striking is going to be that K-1 gets him in some bad habits with the biggger gloves. It's a lot harder to block punches with MMA gloves than it is with boxing gloves and I think Overeem might leave himself open to some of Fedor's punches.
Overeem's the strongest fighter in the K-1 GP which will give him advantages in the clinch. I don't think he's as strong as the strongest MMA heavyweights like Fedor, Lesnar, Carwin, etc. tho.
i'd bet anyone he'd pull for the Strikeforce title to be contested in DREAM because he fears the athletic commissions, that is, if he ever defends it
Overeem has said his preference is to fight Fedor for Dream, not for Strikeforce, although he says the reason is that he prefers fighting in a ring rather than a cage.
yeah.. i've just noticed that because he's seemed to avoid defending the title for quite some time
MDS: If you believe that is the true reason that Overeem prefers to fight Fedor and nothing about testing for PED; then I have to question your thought process. I know everyone is clean until proven otherwise, but Overeem got way too big and way too strong in a very short time. I have been around iron (and people using anabolics) for 40+ years and I find it hard to believe that Overeem is clean. Just my humble opinion---like to hear your's.
I completely understand your suspicions, Paul. I was just saying what Overeem has said about preferring a ring.
MDS: why is it raining outside my house???
Go nightmare. Go wanderlei
that would make for an interesting fight though.. but i would have to take fedor via sub, but again it would be an awesome match
I still think Teixiera will beat Overeem in that opening round fight. Allistair gets tired after a round or two in all of his K-1 fights I've seen and Teixiera will likely give him a solid dose of leg kicks. If Ewerton Teixiera can weather the early storm he'll win the fight.