Alistair Overeem was set for a loss against Augusto Sakai but turned things around big-time
Alistair Overeem turned back the clock with a vintage performance against the younger Augusto Sakai.
Sakai came into this match as the slight favourite and won the first two rounds. However, Overeem seemed to be measuring his opponent before using his experience to wear down his rival.
The third and fourth rounds were more even and it went down to the final round. Sakai seemed to be out and Overeem destroyed the Brazilian with some vicious elbows.
Overeem celebrated the win and there could be another title shot coming in for the 40-year-old if he keeps putting in such performances.
While most of the Heavyweight division was left in awe of what Overeem had done, Derrick Lewis had to eat his own words.
Never underestimate Overeem
The 40-year-old Overeem now has 47 wins to his name, but he has never lifted the UFC Heavyweight title.
Nevertheless, the former DREAM and Strikeforce champion seemed to be heading for a loss early on and Lewis was banking on that.
The Heavyweight star was backing Sakai to get the win and was keeping a score of all the rounds too.
I got Sakai 10-7 just because Overeem running his mouth
— Derrick Lewis (@Thebeast_ufc) September 6, 2020
10-8 Sakai round 4
— Derrick Lewis (@Thebeast_ufc) September 6, 2020
So far I got Sakai winning all 4 rounds
— Derrick Lewis (@Thebeast_ufc) September 6, 2020
Lewis does hold the record of most finishes in the UFC Heavyweight division and is on a three-fight win streak.
However, he was caught out by the ending as Overeem got the better of Sakai.
@ufc pic.twitter.com/ggthfFAdfs
— Derrick Lewis (@Thebeast_ufc) September 6, 2020
This was just a reminder to everyone that Overeem cannot be underestimated, even if things aren’t going his way.
The 40-year-old is still one of the greatest MMA stars of all-time and it will be interesting to see what is next for him.
The Heavyweight division does have Jon Jones in it while Stipe Miocic should clash against Francis Ngannou next.
Jones vs Overeem could be great but the UFC might put Jones up against Miocic or even Ngannou.
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