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BREAKING: Alistair Overeem Signs a Multi-Year Deal with GLORY Kickboxing After UFC Release

Former UFC heavyweight Alistair Overeem will make his return to kickboxing under the GLORY Kickboxing banner later this year. The Dutch kickboxer recently parted ways with the UFC after being with the organization for nearly a decade. He made his debut with the UFC in 2011 against Brock Lesnar and his return to kickboxing will surely be marked with another massive fight.

The news of Alistair Overeem’s arrival into the ranks of GLORY Kickboxing came through an early report by ESPN. What’s more, fans caught wind of Overeem’s move through a series of posts he released on social media. The hype trailers definitely got the attention of fans who were wondering about what’s next for ‘The Reem’.

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Alistair Overeem: A new chapter

Overeem’s credentials as a championship-level kickboxer speak for itself through his accomplishments in the sport. He won the K-1 Grand Prix by defeating ace kickboxers, Peter Aerts, Gokhan Saki, and Tyrone Spong, all in one night. When he entered the UFC, he was considered one of the best kickboxers to crossover in MMA.

SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA – APRIL 20: (L-R) Alistair Overeem of The Netherlands celebrates his TKO victory over Aleksei Oleinik of Russia in their heavyweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event at Yubileyny Sports Palace on April 20, 2019 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

As it stands, GLORY is the mainstay organization for kickboxing with champion Rico Verhoeven at the helm. Not to mention, Badr Hari, Overeem’s former foe will be waiting in the wings as well. GLORY chairman Pierre Andurand spoke out on the Overeem acquisition and is excited to deliver blockbuster bouts for fans.

“We are extremely excited for Alistair Overeem to join GLORY,” Andurand said in a statement. “Alistair is one of the most well-rounded and decorated heavyweight fighters of all time. Today marks a historic day for the sport, and most importantly for GLORY fans, with upcoming exciting fights that everyone will want to see.”

Despite facing some adversity towards the end of his UFC run, Alistair Overeem remained a top contender, even on his way out. ‘The Demolition Man’ was 4-2 in his last six outings and was knocking on the door of another title shot. However, he’s had a rather drastic career change in the span of 6 months and will gear up for a new beginning in a familiar setting.

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The post BREAKING: Alistair Overeem Signs a Multi-Year Deal with GLORY Kickboxing After UFC Release appeared first on EssentiallySports.

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