A fight between Cigano (left) and Overeem (right) was scheduled in 2012. Photo: UFC
Dana White, president of the UFC, stated that alistair overeem is doing everything he can to avoid facing Júnior dos Santos in his next fight. According to the director, the Dutch fighter refused to face the Brazilian after two different proposals were offered to him.
The North American organization intended to set the duel as the main fight of an event to be held in Brazil, but Overeem reportedly refused. Afterwards, the proposal was made for the fight to be the co-main event of UFC 173, on May 24th, which will have Chris Weidman against Vitor belfort. Overeem also reportedly rejected the proposal.
In an interview with the “UFC Tonight” program on the North American television channel Fox Sports, White stated that the Dutchman does not want this fight. “He [Overeem] wants nothing to do with Dos Santos. He is literally hiding from Cigano, but sees no problem challenging him. Brock Lesnar, who hasn't fought in two years and is in the WWE [pro-wrestling organization],” said White, referring to the interview Overeem gave shortly after his UFC 169 victory, in which he asked for a fight against Lesnar.
“We offered him a five-round fight, headlining an event in Brazil, and he said no. We also offered a three-round fight in the co-main event in Las Vegas, and he also refused”, pointed out the UFC president.
When contacted by the North American website MMA Fighting, Overeem tried to deny White's statements. “I'm injured, with a problem with my ribs. So, first I would need an estimated recovery time. It would be unwise of me to accept any fight without knowing what is happening. I don’t want to give up on any fight because I’m out of shape, especially in a fight as eagerly awaited as this one”, explained the former K-1 champion.
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