Dana White confirms negotiations underway with Alistair Overeem
Posted on August 26, 2011, 11:09 AM by Joey Santosus
"We're talking to Overeem. When everything fell apart, you guys heard me come out and say, 'We can't do business with these guys the way these guys want to do business,' meaning his management. Well they've changed their opinions on how they can do business with us, so now we can. - For more check out The Dan LeBatard Show
Following the abrupt release of several high-profile Golden Glory competitors, UFC President Dana White explained the decision as one inspired by conflicting business practices between ZUFFA and the fighter's management team. In response to the explanation, Golden Glory co-founder and trainer, Bas Boon, released a statement in which he explained that they would not only conform to ZUFFA's standard payment methods, but their client, top ranked Heavyweight contender Alistair Overeem, would like to sign an exclusive deal with the UFC. Though Boon's offer was well-received by White, who upon learning of the team's willingness to compromise stated that they could "absolutely make a deal," no word had since been given on the status of Overeem's fighting future.
That now appears to have changed, as White confirmed during an appearance on ESPN's Sports Talk 790 that negotiations are, in fact, currently ongoing with "The Reem." It's good news for MMA fans, who have long awaited the Dutchman's octagon debut, but perhaps even more interesting is the timing of the revealation. During an interview with MMAFighting's Ariel Helwani Thursday, White refuted claims that Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva would serve as one half of the headliner for the promotion's highly anticipated FOX debut. Instead, he said that they were still working on "getting the deal done" for the November 12th main event. So what do you think LowKick'ers? Could we see Overeem headline the UFC's monumental network debut on FOX? And who do you think his opponent could be? Perhaps the recently recovered former champ, Brock Lesnar?
Further Reading: Marloes Coenen refutes Dana White's claims regarding Golden Glory payment methods
Photo: UFC President Dana White at a post-fight press conference at UFC 100 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center on July 11, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Francis Specker
Comments
Good. Hurry up. And hey, maybe next time Dana can actually talk to his lawyers before he goes on a tirade since Bas had already conceded the issue during a meeting they had in Canada.
Now does he get his title back and have a Champ vs. Champ
or does he just sign and start fresh against some of the top guys in heavyweight division either way cant wait have always thought he is a
great fighter but a few of the great fighters for SF keep dodging him so he fought other places so now after 2yrs of ok fights in mma want to see if still got it or leaned to much to K1 and ground game and movement a lil rusty?
Ever heard of a full stop?
Overeem for the first Fox card!
@2drunk2crack1off
absolutely, plus Lesnar started back training in the gym last Monday so its a huge possibility
Reem coming over to the UFC would be the deal of the year, and if Reem can go against Brock on national television in November then the UFC will have the exposure needed to start strong on national TV.
Brock vs Reem would possibly be the biggest draw of any HW fight ever. The casual/WWE fans all want to see Brock get back at it and the hardcore fans have been waiting a long time to see Reem mix it up with "elite" company. I don't think there could be a bigger draw than this as a main event for the Fox debut or even a major PPV. If this turns out to happen as a free fight, it would be monumental for mainstream popularity.
What about Cain vs Junior Dos Santos? You telling me that ain't the best HW match up ever?
to the average fox viewer whos flippin' through the channels looking for something to watch instead of killing himself, no, its not
He's talking marketability. Cain and Junior are great fighters, but neither has the star power of Lesnar. They are both proven top tier guys but are not household names outside of the MMA fanbase. With Overeem there it is still some debate. While he is undoubtedly dangerous and powerful, the hardcore fans still want to see what he is made of against the UFC heavies. This would be a be a win,win match-up for Fox, Zuffa, hardcore MMA fans and newbies to the sport. The former UFC and WWE champ against the Strikeforce/Dream/K-1 champ. And they both look like freakin' monsters to boot. That alone will get people who just happen to channel surfing to tune in when they see these Marvel Comic book looking mofo's slugging each other in the face.
@RabbitPuncher
That's exactly what I mean. While Cain vs JDS is a dream matchup for the more hardcore crowd, the Brock vs Overeem matchup has much more draw from a broader spectrum of fans. That matchup would likely set all sorts of viewing records, especially if it was free. On top of that, it has potential to be an extremely exciting fight. Whether you believe Brock is a true top tier HW or not, he has never been in a boring fight, win or lose. Even the 3 round decision against Herring was entertaining. Overeem is vicious with his strikes, and we all know how much Brock loves to take punishment. The outcome of this match would be a perfect gauge for both of these fighters' abilities and would prove who deserves their top spot.
I would like to see him fight a more rounded fighter
but both are huge guys most likely would be a fast fight and
would be which would get the best shot 1st wins
fedor! :)
I would rather hope to see Carwin face Overeem. Lesnar couldn't have done an about-face in this short length of time, changing his fighting style: Dive! Dive! Dive!
That would actually be a good fight too, but I think that would be too big of a risk for Carwin. Overeem's striking is at a similar level to JDS, albeit a different style. Carwin can't afford another beating like he got from JDS and I don't think Dana wants to fire Carwin just yet, so he will likely get somebody who fits better against his style for a somewhat easier matchup.
Overeem eh?See its not that hard fedor.No need to be so afraid to fight top fighters.
proving once again that it is the Fedor haters who force the Fedor fans to go on the defensive.
Lesnar? .. Lets make it a good fight - not a guy kicking a turtle for 1:30.
I would pick Junior .. but he is busy.
How about that hot-shot Schaub or the revamped Roy Nelson 2.0.
Really?
Really. I agree with Six on this one. Reem is serious business when it comes to striking (obviously) and I don't see Brock doing anything other than folding like cheap lawn furniture. Listen to Rutten's comments here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MVOUu2vf-I&feature=mh_lolz&list=LLF7pwWFl6RuFiDnnlooQtAw I TOTALLY agree with him and think he heard it from Brock's training partners (about not being able to hit him in the face during training).
You think he's changed his training? No way, not that guy.
I didn't stutter.
If you dont know by now that Brock is just a big wrestler that cant take a punch and has 0% chance of being HW champ again ... i don't know what to tell you.
Actually i was a bit harsh in that above post ... sometimes i do mutter and Brock has a 10% chance to be HW champ again.
In that vid, Rutten's comments about Brock start at 4:46. Sorry.
Lesnar vs. Overeem! I called it.
Cool, I will always be down to watch Lesner get beat like a child.
Overeem vs Lesner first fox card would make sooo much money..