Every fighter has peaks and valleys in their career, but Alistair Overeem certainly experienced the highest highs and the lowest lows over the last couple of months.
Following a win over former UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar to close out 2011, Overeem was handed a shot at the UFC belt against current title holder Junior Dos Santos.
It was a dream come true for Overeem who had captured almost every other major heavyweight belt available over the last few years including the Strikeforce and Dream titles in MMA as well as the K-1 Grand Prix title in kickboxing.
Everything seemed right in the world for Overeem until an out of competition test from the Nevada State Athletic Comission revealed the Dutch wrecking machine had elevated levels of testosterone, and he would have to answer for the failed test.
Once he appeared before the commission, Overeem was essentially handed a 9-month suspension and lost out on the shot to face Junior Dos Santos at UFC 146.
Overeem didn’t argue with the commission’s decision and ultimately will take his punishment and come back once his suspension is lifted.
“I greatly respect the commission, I respect their decision. They come across as gentlemen and gentlewoman, very respectful, very understanding of the situation,†Overeem said in the latest installment of his documentary series ‘The Reem’.
The goal to capture the UFC heavyweight title may be delayed, but Overeem is steadfast in his ultimate dream to win the belt and become the most dominant big man in the sport. This is a big bump in the road obviously, but Overeem promises to return and show everyone just what kind of fighter he truly is.
“Basically, we’re going to be out for 9 months, but I consider myself a clever guy, I’m going to get stronger from this, I’m going to keep training and I’ll be back in 9 months,†said Overeem. “I’m still going to get that belt.â€
