WOW.Overeem has expressed an interest in boxing expressing a desire to challenge champion boxers Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko, noting that “if the fans want it” he would work towards making it happen.
Alsitair Overeem Booted From Strikeforce Grand Prix, Daniel Cormier Steps In As Replacement
Posted July 18, 2011 Comments(0)
In an earlier interview today on The MMA Hour, Strikeforce heavyweight champ Alistair ‘Demolition Man’ Overeem (35-11, 1 NC) said he was having problems with Strikeforce over the Sept. 10 date set for the semi-final bouts of the Heavyweight Grand Prix. And that he had been threatened with his removal from the tournament should he not choose to fight on that date.
Well it seems that Zuffa/Strikeforce has called his bluff by removing him from the tournament and replacing him with former Olympic wrestler Daniel Cormier (8-0).
News of the change was first reported by Tatame.com and was later confirmed by MMAjunkie.com on Monday.
Overeem earned his way into the semi-finals by beating Fabricio Werdum last month. The ‘Demolition Man’ felt the Sept. 10 date was too soon and that he had to heal from a broken toe, suffered before the bout, as well as injuries which occurred against Werdum.
The Dutch heavyweight had been scheduled to meet Antonio ‘Bigfoot’ Silva in the semi-finals, which is set to take place on Sept. 10 at an unknown location at this time.
Cormier comes in with a perfect 8-0 record, having earned a unanimous decision over Jeff Monson at last months Overeem vs. Werdum event.
MMAjunkie spoke to ‘Bigfoot’ Silva to garner his thoughts on the situation.
“I don’t care who they put against me. If Overeem doesn’t want to fight because his toe is hurt, then get me King Kong. Get Josh Barnett and Sergei Kharitonov both. I’ll fight them both at the same time. I’m very frustrated and disappointed that someone who is considered one of the best fighters in the world would basically withdraw from the competition and refuse to fight me. Overeem is a great guy, but I don’t really like what he’s doing right now as a fighter. Either way, I don’t pick my opponents. I would have much rather Cain Velasquez stepped in for Overeem because I want to prove I’m the best heavyweight in the world. But I’m not taking Cormier lightly, either. I’ll continue to train just as hard as if I was still facing Overeem.”
Overeem has expressed an interest in boxing expressing a desire to challenge champion boxers Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko, noting that “if the fans want it” he would work towards making it happen.
