Alistair Overeem understands he is in the twilight of his career, but is looking to bow out of the sport on a high note.
Overeem is set to face Alexander Volkov at UFC Vegas 18 on February 6th. The top six heavyweights were previously booked to headline UFC St. Petersburg in April 2019, but the fight was scrapped after the Russian pulled out due to health issues.
Volkov was replaced by Aleksei Oleinik, who lost to Overeem via first round TKO.
Peak Shape
The former heavyweight title challenger is on quite a run, as he has won four out of his last five fights, all via stoppages. Speaking to MMA Junkie, Overeem said he’s in peak shape ahead of his fight against Volkov.
āHeās definitely grew as a fighter, but I also grew as a fighter [since we were last booked],ā Overeem said. āI think Iām the most dangerous to fight right now. Iām in the peak performance Iāve ever been or am, so Iām just very excited the fight is happening now. Timing for me is perfect and it is.ā
Expecting A Good Fight
Although Volkov is on a rocky path as of late as he has lost two of his last four fights, Overeem believes his opponent is very well-rounded, and the UFC Vegas 18 main event is going to be a good one.
āHeās [good] all around,ā Overeem stated. āHeās got kicks, heās got hand strikes, heās got ground, heās got grappling. I think heās dangerous everywhere. Heās got reach, so itās going to be an interesting battle. But I feel very ready. Camp has been good. Itās going to be a good fight.ā
UFC Gold And Retirement
Overeem, a former Strikeforce and DREAM heavyweight champion, is one of the many legendary figures in the sport who failed to win a UFC title. However, with the clock ticking on his illustrious career, āThe Reemā plans to make one final run to capture UFC gold.
āThere definitely is momentum because weāre two wins [in a row],ā Overeem said. āI think my fights are good, theyāre exciting. I think weāve just got to keep this trajectory going and another title shot will be there, and that will be my last because my time is running out, which is fine. Iāve had a great career, Iām having a great career. But we also have to be realistic, and thatās a little bit where the final run comes from. Iām not going to keep fighting until Iām 45. Itās going to be one final run, then itās going to be thank you everybody for watching, and see you in the next life.ā
The UFC title is certainly the only remaining feather in Overeemās cap, as he plans to retire immediately after winning the belt.
āI would retire immediately [after winning the title]. Thereās nothing to prove at that point,ā Overeem said.
Overeem challenged champion Stipe Miocic for the title at UFC 203, but he lost via first round TKO. He last fought against Augusto Sakai at UFC Vegas 9, winning the fight via a fifth round TKO.
Do you think Alistair Overeem can go on to become the UFC heavyweight champion before he hangs up his gloves?
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