Alistair Overeem Admits to Mistake That Led to Ben Rothwell Knocking Him Out

While many onlookers pegged Alistair Overeem as the favorite heading into Friday night’s UFC Fight Night showdown with Ben Rothwell, many were surprised when Rothwell cracked Overeem on the temple and sent him crashing to the mat.

Many were further surprised when Rothwell revealed after the fight that he believed he broke his arm blocking one of Overeem’s kicks earlier in the fight… and that was the same arm that he used to throw the knockout punch.

SEE ALSO: Alistair Overeem vs. Ben Rothwell Fight Video

“I ate a kick, didn’t block it properly, and he broke it,” Rothwell said. “I knew I did not want to block a kick wrong again. I had a feeling that something could have been wrong. (But) that’s the good thing about a fight, adrenaline going.”

Perhaps no one was more surprised than Overeem, who admitted that it was his mistake in thinking Rothwell wouldn’t be able to counter with the right hand that led to his downfall.

“(Friday) I was in a great shape and prep was superb! Thanks to all involved, from coaches to fysio’s! You were all great,” Overeem wrote on Instagram on Saturday.

“About the fight – I made a mistake! Hearing Ben’s arm crack on one of the kicks I didn’t expect him to counterpunch with the same arm. We knew Ben is a tough strong guy, well we got it confirmed yesterday!”

Overeem didn’t wallow in his mistake. While there has been no word yet from the UFC on its plans for Overeem, who has lost three of his five bouts in the Octagon, the fighter was already chin up and looking forward to his future.

“Now today, new day – new chances! It might not always go as we want or as planned but. As long as we have freedom and high spirits we are/should be ok! This coming from myself who’ve had several downturns in both life and career but plenty of great moments in life to so not complaining! Big Ben was a little to much this time, Looking ahead & forward to the next challenge!”

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