If you follow mixed martial arts (MMA), then the name Alistair Overeem should be very familiar. Overeem has been fighting professionally for over two decades in organizations such as Pride, Strikeforce, K-1, and the UFC. Revered for his ability to mix it up in the clinch and the versatility of his fighting style, Overeem has been a fixture in combat sports over a variety of eras.
MMA Career & Fight Records
He started his MMA career in 1999 and has competed for more than a decade, having fought for many top promotions. A light-heavyweight turned heavyweight, Jones was fighting up at the heavier weight division where he did most of his best work.
Best Known For in MMA Career:
- Total MMA Fights: 67
- Wins: 47
By Knockout (KO/TKO): 25
- By Submission: 17
- By Decision: 5
- Losses: 19
- By KO/TKO: 15
- By Submission: 1
- By Decision: 3
- Draws/No Contests: 1
Early Life and Background
Alistair Cees Overeem was born May 17, 1980, in Hounslow, England to his Jamaican father and Dutch mother. He came of age in the Netherlands after his parents broke up. Overeem was first introduced to martial arts with judo, then eventually kickboxing and Muay Thai before finally transitioning over to MMA. His experience in other martial arts from an early age set the stage for his stardom, on both kickboxing and MMA.
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Notable Fights:
- Vs. Brock Lesnar (UFC 141, 2011)
It was Overeem who controlled all those exchanges though. He actually put the former UFC heavyweight champion away in the first round with a liver kick earning him a TKO victory. That win granted him a shot at the UFC heavyweight belt.
- Vs. Fabricio Werdum (Strikeforce, 2006; UFC 2017)
Overeem, you will recall defeated Werdum twice. They first fought under the Strikeforce banner in 2006, which was won by Overeem via unanimous decision. The 2017 UFC fight between the pair was a strategic masterpiece, Overeem again got the better of Werdum but this time by decision.
- vs. Stipe Miocic UFC 203, 2016
However, Overeem fell short in just his second shot at UFC heavyweight gold. When he was knocked out by Miocic in the first round despite nearly finishing his foe.
- Badr Hari (2008ab K-1; 2022 Glory) vs.
Overeem actually made one of his first major splashes into the kickboxing world by knocking out Badr Hari in K-1. Overeem would go on to defeat Hari once again in a unanimous decision. Making it his second high-profile win against the same opponent when they rematched the following year in 2022.
- Vs. Alexander Volkov (UFC Vegas 18 — 2021)
It was Overeem’s second loss in a row, with former title challenger Alistair Overeem snapped two weeks ago when he lost by TKO to another top heavyweight contender on the rise right now, Alexander Volkov; thus leaving the UFC soon after.
Kickboxing Career Achievements
Amongst the most successful MMA and Kickboxing fighters Alistair Overeem is a rare example. He held his crowning victory in kickboxing back in 2010 as a K-1 World Grand Prix Champion. The victory made him the first fighter in history to hold world championships in both MMA (Strikeforce heavyweight champion) and kickboxing (K-1).
Kickboxing Record:
- Wins: 12
- By KO: 7
- Losses: 4
Current Events: Retirement (Combat)
Alistair Overeem to retire from combat sports in 2023. That move came after Glory Kickboxing suspended him for a failed 2022 drug test. Overeem also shared that wanted to focus on his health, family and just life outside of fighting, saying he did not have what was required to compete with the best anymore.
It was the final sad stain on a long and unaffected career: Overeem is as noted for his run of success in both MMA and kickboxing as it is for the fact he still holds one win against Miocic, maybe even April. He still stands as one of the rare few who ever competed at a high level in more than one combat sport.
Personal Life and Relationships
Alistair Overeem, Singles Only! He and long-time ex-partner Zelina Bexander have two daughters. They have been dating since for several years, and Overeem regularly posts photos from his family life on social media — showing off his dad’s body in the process.
As hard as he comes off in the ring, Overeem is said to be a sweetheart who spends quality downtime with his family. Two of the most probable things from their short fling, daughters Yazz-ley and Sensi-Liss, are also often spotted out and about with Rick.
Net Worth & Financial Confidence
UFC career has paid off well for Alistair Overeem By 2024, his net worth will have an approximate value of — $10 million. Overeem made big money throughout his career, particularly during his run in the UFC where he was regularly among the highest-paid fighters on the entire roster. Besides his fighting earnings, Overeem has also landed sponsorships and endorsements which have increased his fortune.
Legacy
The career of Alistair Overeem is proof of resilience and adaptability. A legend in the world of combat sports, few fighters have done what he accomplished in two different disciplines. Now retired from fighting, fans and fighters still occasionally honor his MMA and kickboxing legacy. Although, Overeem will one day retire as a pioneer in both heavyweight MMA and kickboxing.
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