Overeem (photo) will face Cigano in Orlando. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC
alistair overeem spent much of 2015 pinning junior gypsy and asking for a fight against the Brazilian. His wish was granted, and the top heavyweights will face each other this Saturday (19), in the co-main fight of UFC on FOX 17. However, Overeem believes that, despite the fight being confirmed, this was not Cigano's real wish.
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For the Dutchman, Cigano was not willing to face him – so, to convince his rival, Overeem had to apply a “little pressure”. “The truth is that Júnior didn’t want to fight me. I had to pressure him a little to make this fight happen – a fight, in fact, that the whole world wants to see. The UFC wants it, the fans want it. I receive messages from all corners of the world from people who want to see this fight. So, I had to pressure Junior a little”, said Overeem, in an interview with the North American website “MMA Junkie”.
Despite his desire to face Cigano, Overeem recognizes the Brazilian's qualities. “Let’s not fool ourselves about Júnior. He showed tremendous heart, he's a tremendous athlete. He's a dangerous fighter, so he definitely has his moments. He’s had some tough fights, but he’s definitely not someone to be underestimated,” he analyzed.
UFC on FOX 17 will take place in the city of Orlando, in the United States. The main fight of the night will be between the Brazilian Rafael dos Anjos e Donald Cerrone, who will duel for the organization's lightweight belt.
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