Alistair Overeem vs. Andrei Arlovski officially headlines UFC Fight Night 87 in Rotterdam

Alistair Overeem

LONDON – A long rumored heavyweight headliner between Andrei Arlovski and Alistair Overeem is finally official for UFC Fight Night 87.

UFC execs today announced the contest during a Q&A session prior to UFC Fight Night 84’s official weigh-ins at The O2 in London.

UFC Fight Night 87 takes place May 8 at Ahoy Rotterdam in Rotterdam, Netherlands. The card is expected to air on FOX Sports 1 following early prelims on UFC Fight Pass.

Arlovski is currently No. 5 in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie MMA heavyweight rankings. Overeem checks in just behind at No. 7.

Arlovski (25-11 MMA, 14-5 UFC) looks to rebound from a recent TKO loss to current top contender Stipe Miocic. Prior to the disappointing result, “The Pit Bull” had owned a six-fighting winning streak that included four octagon victories.

Overeem (40-14-1 MMA, 5-3 UFC) comes into the contest on the strength of a three-fight winning streak. “The Demolition Man” was in action most recently in December, scoring a second round TKO over Dos Santos. Overeem also downed Roy Nelson and Stefan Struve in his current streak.

For more on UFC Fight Night 87, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.