Overeem 2.0, Bigger and Badder

Zuffa’s recent acquisition of Strikeforce obviously begged the question, what happens to all of its (Strikeforce) fighters, especially the title holders? Initially, it was nebulous as to how this migration would take place. There were concerns surrounding guys like Nick Diaz and Dan Henderson, both of whom had previously departed ways with UFC and are current owners of Strikeforce championship belts. Also, how does this affect the Strikeforce tournament that’s currently in progress? What about the promotion’s contractual commitment to Showtime? What about , whose stock as the baddest MMA fighter in history recently declined following two consecutive losses?

Most of these questions haven’t gone fully answered. However, the notorious yet popular Nick Diaz is slated for his UFC return when he challenges George St. Pierre for the welterweight supremacy later in the year. Perhaps the assumption here is that we just won’t know until things actually start to unfold.

With pun intended, this brings up the heavy topic. Current Strikeforce heavyweight king and 2010 K-1 Grand Prix winner, is without a doubt the most attractive force that UFC haven’t yet signed. But first, he needs to emerge as a victor of this tournament in progress. And come June 18th, the champ known as ‘Demolition Man’ is taking on his biggest match of his heavyweight career when he faces Fabricio Werdum in Dallas Mavericks’ home court of American Airlines Center.

Overeem, who hails from the , is an enigma of sorts among MMA fans. Once a formidable light heavyweight sometimes fighting at above 200 pounds, Overeem was considered a talented yet vulnerable (especially to the chin) competitor during his stint at the now defunct Pride. Between 2003 and 2007, the Dutch held notable wins against Vitor Belfort (twice) and Sergei Kharitonov, but was more remembered for eight losses down the four year stretch. Granted, those L’s were all suffered against elite opposition including Chuck Lidell, Shogun Rua (twice), Kharitonov, and Werdum. Since the stoppage loss to Kharitonov in 2007, Overeem has gone 9-0-1. All but one victory came within the first round. In the process, he picked up the inaugural Strikeforce heavyweight belt, and also kept himself active in K-1’s competition.

Last year saw Overeem cap off the most significant win of his heavyweight MMA career, when he met the dangerous in St. Louis, MO. Fans were split as to who would come out on top. Consensus was that Overeem’s previous competition as a heavyweight was weak and given Rogers’ size and whatever success he had in losing efforts to Fedor, would’ve provided some edge for the American. But when the bell rang, it was simply a mismatch. Rogers was immediately taken down before ‘Ubereem’ unleashed his relentless ground-and-pound attack to force a first round stoppage. It was a form of redemption for the champ, who swiftly silenced his critics. More success followed, and arguably in its biggest form, when he reached the finals of K-1 Grand Prix and defeated the kickboxing legend, Peter Aerts in the first round.

In light of Fedor Emlianenko and Brock Lesnar’s recent falls, the heavyweight division is screaming for its new savior. Perhaps that could also be decided when UFC’s Cain Velasquez and Junior Dos Santos lock horns, but if you’re looking for a champion with flash, charisma, and finesse, Overeem just might be that guy. Over the years, this monster appears to have not only honed his craft and sharpened his arsenal, but also overcame the vulnerabilities that have failed him in the past. Whether it’s a ring or cage winning the K-1 championship certainly helped solidify his claim as the most dangerous striker in the game.

Akin to what superstar Manny Pacquiao has done, Overeem is simply a better and stronger fighter after permanently moving up in weight. In recent competition, the now big man, deems almost invincible to defeat. With a very respectable ground/submission game and probably the most versatile striking arsenal in the division, Overeem, at age 31, could be the answer to what UFC’s been chasing since its inception of different weight classes.

It’s always fun to root for the underdog and it surely was exciting to see Werdum pull the upset of the century when he was able to lock his triangle to submit the great Fedor Emelianenko. However, given Werdum’s style or otherwise, vulnerability against bigger men, his chances of becoming a full force, is limited if not plausible. An Overeem win, might just do better for the sport.

This Saturday night, we have one of the more attractive heavyweight fights of the year. Ironically, it may be the last significant heavyweight fight we may see outside of UFC. Hype or hope, size or substance, it’s only a matter of time before we see Overeem against the very best. And if this guy is as good as his fans and supporters make him out to be, it’s going to be both size and substance that will allow him to win.

DARK HORSES

The co-feature in Dallas will showcase the other side of the heavyweight bracket between the controversial and hard-hitting Brett Rogers. For most fans and experts, it’s almost a foregone conclusion that these two will most likely not end up in the finals. However, I actually think that Barnett is the livest of the live dogs and should defeat both Rogers and Kharitonov to advance to the finals. To start off, I think his experience, versatility, and tricky ground attack will prove to be too much for Rogers. As for Kharitonov, I think he has a puncher’s chance, but that’s just about it. Barnett has shown to have a good chin and his only losses in the last decade, came at the hands of Antonio Rodrigo Noguiera and CroCop. Also, according to ESPN and other sources, Barnett has passed the preliminary drug test and is eligible to fight this weekend.

‘Strikeforce: Dallas’ will also present the return of lightweight K.J. Noons going up against Jorge Masvidal. Former heavyweight freestyle and collegiate wrestling standout Daniel Cormier will be in action, taking on the toughest task of his MMA career against seasoned veteran . Also on the card, is Alistair’s older brother, Valentijn Overeem, who will face Chad Griggs in a three round scheduled heavyweight affair.