Alistair Overeem says heavyweight division needs him, still focused on Stipe Miocic rematch

LAS VEGAS – Alistair Overeem is going to do whatever it takes to get a second shot at the UFC heavyweight title, and when that happens, he’s confident he’ll make good on the opportunity that previously slipped past him.

Overeem (43-15 MMA, 8-4 UFC) earned his second straight win since he fell short in challenging champ Stipe Miocic in September when he picked up a majority-decision victory over Fabricio Werdum (21-7-1 MMA, 9-4 UFC) in Saturday’s UFC 213 pay-per-view co-headliner at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

After beating Mark Hunt at UFC 209 in March, “The Reem” defeated ex-champ Werdum in a closely contested affair. While some viewers called the close bout a “robbery” – and despite getting knocked down in the third round – Overeem said he felt he won without controversy.

“I believe the first two-and-a-half rounds I was dominating, picking my shots,” Overeem said. “The third round was not too clean – a little bit ugly if I’m honest. All respect to Fabricio. His striking is improving with every fight, it seems. He’s a tough opponent, and he’s there to fight. I clipped him a couple times hard, I cut him, I rocked him, and he rocked me. When you fight (someone of Fabricio’s caliber), you know it’s not going to be easy.”

Overeem’s victory concluded a trilogy with Werdum that began in May 2006. “Vai Cavalo” won the first fight by submission under the PRIDE banner, and Overeem got revenge and won the rematch by decision at a Strikeforce event in June 2011. The rivalry concluded at UFC 213, but it wasn’t the definitive performance Overeem was looking for.

The Dutchman wanted to produce an effort which would cement him as the next to challenge Miocic (17-2 MMA, 11-2 UFC) after he suffered a first-round knockout loss to the current titleholder at UFC 203 in September. That didn’t happen, and UFC President Dana White suggested the Werdum victory wasn’t enough to earn Overeem another title shot.

Overeem said he can appreciate White’s criticism and is willing to continue to work his way toward it.

“Dana White is the boss, and it was a decision,” Overeem said. “It was not a clear-cut, dominant performance. I’m here to do whatever’s needed to get that title shot. If we have to run through somebody else, then so be it. If we’re going to get the title shot now, then so be it.

“I’m a fighter first, and I like to stay active. We’re going to do whatever’s needed to get to the title. Just be positive. I like my development as a fighter. I believe every opponent gives me the opportunity to become a better fighter. If we have to face somebody else first, fine.”

Overeem said he’s open to fighting at either of the UFC’s scheduled September events in his native Netherlands and Japan. He said he would also be excited to fight at the organization’s planned November return to Madison Square Garden in New York City.

At 37 and with 18 years as a pro MMA fighter, he knows his current push toward the title could be one of his last, but Overeem said he’s not putting any pressure on himself.

“My clock is ticking, but I feel great,” Overeem said. “I’m still beating these top opponents. The way I see it is my body’s still perfect. I came into this fight (with) zero problems, zero injuries. I’m going to keep going until I don’t like it anymore. Up until now I love it. I enjoy my career, I enjoy the traveling, I enjoy the training, and I enjoy the development. Every opponent makes me a better fighter. And let’s be honest: It would be a lot less interesting, more boring if I wouldn’t be around.

“Stipe Miocic, I’ve got something to set right with him. I think my hand is shuffled differently this time. But let’s see what happens.”

For complete coverage of UFC 213, check out the UFC Events section of the site.