Politics
Dana White says he ‘loves’ Alistair Overeem as UFC legend posts emotional farewell after being cut
UFC president Dana White has hailed Alistair Overeem following his release from the promotion.
The former heavyweight title challenger’s stint in mixed martial arts’ premier promotion came to an end this week.
Alistair Overeem’s nine-year run in the UFC came to an end this week[/caption]
UFC president Dana White is still a big fan of Alistair Overeem[/caption]
Overeem’s departure from the UFC came the same week former 265lb champion Junior dos Santos was also given his marching orders.
White has immense respect for the beloved duo, saying: “We love those guys.
“Overeem has never turned down a fight. ‘JDS’ is on of the nicest guys in the sport. This happens every week here.”
White’s hailing of the duo came a few hours after former Strikeforce and DREAM heavyweight king Overeem released a heartfelt statement on his release from the MMA leader.
Overeem, 40, wrote on Instagram: “The final run has come to an end, but what a run it has been.
“Looking back at my 10 years in the UFC, this has been the experience of a lifetime.
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“Huge thank you to the entire @ufc staff, the fans and all the fighters I came across.
“Couldn’t have wished for any other better career path.
“A special thank you to Dana White and Lorenzo Fertitta for making everything possible.
“Fighting for all of you has been such an honour.”
The UFC’s releasing of Overeem and Dos Santos is part of their ongoing trimming of the roster, which White recently revealed would see some big names leave the company.
Alistair Overeem is likely to be induced into the UFC’s Hall of Fame[/caption]
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Speaking after the release of Yoel Romero in December, White said: “We’re going to have to make some serious cuts here at the end of the year.
“Probably we’re going to have 60 cuts coming up before the first of the year.
“Yoel has lost four of his last five fights, he’s 44 years old.
“Our roster is very inflated right now so we’re going to have to make some big cuts before the end of the year.
“You’re going to see a lot of names going here in the next several weeks.”
