Overeem Issues Statement On UFC Release

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Heavyweight division lost two of its most-seasoned veterans yesterday (March 3, 2021) after Junior dos Santos and Alistair Overeem were cut from their contracts with the promotion.

“The Reem” was coming off a devastating technical knockout (TKO) loss at the hands of Alexander Volkov at UFC Vegas 18 a few weeks ago (see it here), his second such loss in last six outings. Now, “The Demolition Man” has issued a statement regarding his release, while thanking his former employers on social media.

“The final run has come to an end, but what a run it has been. After 10 years in the UFC I can say this has been the experience of a lifetime. Grateful to the UFC, the fans and all fighters. A special thank you to Dana White and Lorenzo Fertitta for making everything possible,” he concluded.

Soon after his release, DREAM President Nobuyuki Sakakibara expressed his interest in having Overeem finish his career with the Japan-based mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion…as long as the numbers were right.

Indeed, Alistair has been known to command high pay for his services, though he will likely have trouble getting the amount he has been enjoying over the years moving forward, especially since he’s teased a looming retirement in the near future.

For now, Overeem will likely take his time entertaining any offers that might come his way before he makes a final decision regarding his combat future. He leaves UFC with a 12-8 record inside the Octagon, coming up short in his lone attempt to win the 265-pound title against Stipe Miocic at UFC 202 in Sept. 2016.