Alistair Overeem is making his return to competition for the first time in over two years and is feeling fully prepared.
It was been two years since Alistair Overeem last set foot in the UFC Octagon. Following a long and successful career with the organization, Overeem and the UFC parted ways in February of 2021. At 42 years old it was unclear what the next step would be for Overeem, but now he has his next bout all lined up, however it is not an MMA fight.
Before making his journey in the world of MMA, Overeem was a very talented and successful kickboxer. He fought in the K-1 promotion and continued to fight in kickboxing during his early MMA days. His last kickboxing fight was back in 2010, but now that he is no longer with the UFC he is free to return to the sport. He will be facing an old foe in Badr Hari at Glory: Collision 4 in his home country of the Netherlands.
Overeem and Hari have a long history between them. They have fought twice before in kickboxing, once in 2008 with Overeem winning and again in 2009 with Hari being victorious. This fight is especially interesting to kickboxing fans because the winner could be on their way to a title fight in Glory.
Overeem is ready for this bout and cites that he is in top shape despite the extended time out of competition. He spoke about this on The MMA Hour.
“It’s been in a minute but again, eager to get back in there, shape is tremendous, phenomenal. I’m just hungry to get back in there and yes last fight was a bit ago but you know you’re fighting in the gym, right? You’re sparring in the gym so it’s not like there’s no activity,” he explained. “It’s not like I’m laying on the couch. I always train, I’ve turned everything up not one but five notches for this fight. And we’re probably going to turn it up two more for the Rico fight. Not looking ahead of things but I do believe I’m going to come out of this victorious with everything I have. And that’s gonna be interesting.”
Overeem doesn’t feel any ring rust having been out of competition for two years
Overeem feels that he will win this bout against Hari and be rewarded with a title fight against Glory heavyweight champion Rico Verhoeven. Despite their background in facing each other, Overeem and Hari are cordial and respectful to each other, but come fight night both are ready to turn things up and get the win.
“Listen, I did my homework and I improved and we turned everything up not one but five notches. We’re there for the win. I’m in the best shape of my life,” he said. “I’m 42 years old, but the best shape is now and just excitement, just excitement. Listen, there’ll be some tension. There’ll be some adrenaline boiling right because you know, there’s gonna be some collision, Collision 4 but yeah, I did my homework.”
Alistair Overeem and Badr Hari will meet at Glory: Collision 4 as the headliner on Oct. 8 in the GelreDome in Arnhem, Netherlands.
