Overeem comments on selling Strikeforce and attacks Werdum

alistair overeem - Photo: Robert Mulrenin

Fans and professionals linked to MMA were surprised this week with the announcement of the purchase of Strikeforce by the UFC (remember here). The negotiation, stipulated at 40 million dollars, shook the sport behind the scenes, awakening the most different reactions in the athletes.

According to the current Strikeforce heavyweight champion, alistair overeem, it will be necessary to wait some time before a more precise judgment can be made regarding the fact. However, the athlete highlighted that he believes this could be an opportunity for professional growth for both the athletes and the managers involved in the transaction.   

“I was shocked when I heard the news. It's a huge turnaround not just in MMA, but in all combat sports. It was a surprise not only for me but for everyone,” he said.

Overeem is currently in Thailand preparing for the clash against Rio Grande do Sul Fabricio Werdum in the quarterfinals of the Strikeforce GP. The Dutchman hopes that the UFC's acquisition of the event will help in the expansion of MMA around the world, in addition to making it possible to hold fights that fans have been wanting to watch for some time.

“The public will have the opportunity to watch the fights they have always asked for. Both UFC president and I, Dana White, want the fights to have global repercussions, just like in the old days of Mike Tyson and Muhammad Ali in boxing,” he said.

Regarding Werdum's latest statements, where the Brazilian stated that he would submit the Dutch giant again, Overeem promised to respond accordingly when the two are face to face in the Strikeforce hexagon.

“Werdum won't be able to submit me, as he will be unconscious with his face on the ground at the end of the fight”, concluded Overeem.