Alistair Overeem is set to make his kickboxing return after signing up with popular kickboxing promotion GLORY
Alistair Overeem who was recently released by the UFC has joined Glory – an international kickboxing promotion company. The Dutchman has returned to where it all began.
Overeem started out as a kickboxer, before making a complete switch to MMA. He was juggling both kickboxing and MMA at the same time until 2010.
‘The Reem’ is well known for fighting three athletes in the same night, eventually going to win the K-1 World Grand Prix 2010 Final.
He beat the dangerous Tyrone Spong in the quarter-finals, before going on to see off Gokhan Saki and Peter Aerts later that night, in the semi-finals and final respectively.
Following his K-1 world title win, Overeem made a complete switch to the MMA, and just a year later he landed in the UFC.
His very first fight in the UFC is still his most famous and notable fight. He took on the largely feared Brock Lesnar at UFC 141.
‘The Reem’ defeated Lesnar via. knockout in the very first round with a vicious body kick. That’s when the world began fearing the loaded Dutchman.
After almost 10 years with the greatest MMA promotion company in the world, Overeem was released following a loss to Alexander Volkov, earlier this year.
Any promotion would be chuffed to see a veteran of umpteen fights like, Overeem sign for them. And likewise, GLORY issued a statement after the signing of Overeem. Their chairman said:
“We are extremely excited for Alistair Overeem to join GLORY. Alistair is one of the most well-rounded and decorated heavyweight fighters of all time. Today marks a historic day for the sport, and most importantly for GLORY fans, with upcoming exciting fights that everyone will want to see.”
The date of his debut and the opponent he will be facing haven’t been named yet. However, one can expect ‘The Reem’ to make his debut this year.
Overeem is currently 41 years old and will be looking forward to extending his career by at least 2 years.
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