Strikeforce
Alistair Overeem discusses his removal from the Strikeforce Heavyweight GP
"Yes, of course I'm disappointed. Winning the tournament was my number one goal. I understand their position, but they have to understand mine, and I'm disappointed we couldn't work it out... Everybody is trying to find reasons why I was pulled out of the tournament, but I can tell you this: it's not that difficult. Strikeforce promised me a date in the fall, I acted on it and chose to go on holiday and start my training in August. Zuffa/Showtime then decided to do it in September and then the ball was in my court, and I had to decline because I know it's too short of time to be prepared 100-percent. Instead of postponing the event they decided that the show must go on and use one of the alternates... I don't know (why) but my guess is that when Zuffa took over Strikeforce there were other interests. If you look at the month of October, you can see three UFC shows and two of them are big and have title fights as the main event. That makes you wonder if they want a Grand Prix semi-final in between on Showtime. - For complete interview by Ariel Helwani, visit MMAFighting.com
Alistair Overeem's abrupt removal from the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix on Monday has already resulted in much speculation as to why the promotion would replace, perhaps, the biggest star remaining in the tournament's bracket. While "The Reem" has refuted many of the existing rumors, such as contract negotiations, it appears he is now offering a theory of his own - conflicting interests.
Overeem's performance against Fabricio Werdum last month, albeit an unusual one, was enough to put him in line for a showdown with Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva in the semifinals. Though not widely considered a favorite heading into the tournament, Silva's upset victory over Fedor Emelianenko made him an interesting opponent for the champ, who has not suffered defeat since 2007. Where the Dutchman goes from here is still uncertain, but in addition to the Strikeforce belt, he also currently holds titles for both K-1 and DREAM. So what do you think LowKick'ers? Where will Overeem surface next: Strikeforce, K-1, DREAM, or possibly even the UFC?
Oh and true martial artist (who are great people) get smashed in the cage by these machines and fight science products. Gone are the days of Royce Gracie and Keith hackne. If you even know who those people are. Reply 10 months ago
It's public knowledge that it really isnt Zuffa's decision on SF on Showtime scheduling, so it's kind of crazy that every one is blaming this on them. Especially Alistair. If the public can find out the truth then he damn sure knows it. He's just trying to displace some of the blame. Reply 10 months ago
FEG need to stop stiffing fighters on their pay Reply 10 months ago
The foot injury makes no sense, because he keep saying that he will be fighting anyway. So if he isn't really injured then why is he going to be fighting anyway? And if he doesn't have enough time to prepare then why is he fighting anyway? Nothing adds up here. Reply 10 months ago