Alistair Overeem is down to fight Jon Jones.
Overeem, the former Strikeforce, DREAM and K-1 champion, is interested in welcoming Jones, the former UFC light heavyweight champion and arguably greatest fighter of all time, to the heavyweight division. Jones recently vacated his 205-pound championship after years of dominating the division and announced his move up.
Overeem (46-18 MMA, 11-7 UFC) is a former training partner of Jones’, having trained for some years under at Jackson Wink MMA in Albuquerque, N.M., the gym Jones calls home.
“The Demolition Man” respects Jones and his skillset and thinks it would be an honor to share the cage with him.
“Yes, I would do it,” Overeem said. “I think it would be a great fight, and I would feel honored.”
Jones has been dominating the UFC’s 205-pound division since he became champion in 2011. Many wonder how Jones’ dominance would translate against bigger opponents.
“I think he’s a great addition to the heavyweight division,” Overeem said. “I’m actually excited. It’s fresh blood. I’ve trained with him. He’s very capable, he’s tough, he’s good, so I’m excited about that development.”
Jones hasn’t discussed a potential date or timetable for his move to heavyweight. And although UFC president Dana White hasn’t shed light either, White did mention it’s likely Jones will challenge for the heavyweight title in his divisional debut.
Overeem, who’s trying to earn one last shot at the belt before calling it quits, is not worried about Jones potentially skipping the contender line.
“I’m not too worried about that,” Overeem explained. “(I’m) just focused on the task at hand, and with that being said, I just need to focus on winning my fights, and after that I believe I will get what I want.”
Overeem fights this Saturday in the main event of UFC on ESPN+ 34 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. He takes on rising contender Augusto Sakai. The 40-year-old Overeem is confident he could be a win or two away from fighting for the title if successful against the Brazilian.
Alistair Overeem open to welcome Jon Jones to heavyweight: ‘I would feel honored’