'Fedor doesn't deserve to be called the greatest of all,' says Overeem

Overeem (photo) fights for the UFC title in September. Photo: Disclosure/UFC

A subject that generates a lot of discussion among MMA fans concerns who would be the greatest fighter of all time in the sport. The heavy weight Fedor Emelianenko, which made history during PRIDE times, is a name frequently mentioned. However, alistair overeem considers that the Russian does not deserve such a title.

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The Dutchman, who could become the new champion of the heavyweight division next month, believes that Fedor has not tested himself enough since the end of PRIDE in 2007. While many names from the Japanese organization automatically migrated to the UFC, the Russian adopted another path.

“I don't think Fedor deserves this title, because he never signed with the UFC. He kind of always took the easy way out. Don't get me wrong, I know Fedor personally and I like him. He is a very humble and nice person. He had an excellent time at PRIDE, but after that, he never really tested himself. He should have signed with the UFC and taken the hard way. The UFC is where we have the most difficult category. Every fight is tough – there are no easy opponents or easy fights”, he said, in an interview with the North American radio station “Sirius XM”.

Former Strikeforce heavyweight champion Overeem faces Stipe Miocic, UFC champion, on September 10th, in Cleveland (USA). The duel will be the main attraction of UFC 203.