Chrom
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 |  Subject: No set plans for Overeem's vacant title, but grand-prix winner an option Mon Aug 01, 2011 11:43 am | |
| - Quote :
- For now, the Strikeforce heavyweight belt will collect dust on a shelf.
Following Alistair Overeem's release from the organization this past
week, Strikeforce officials are tight-lipped about what's next for his
vacated title and have announced no formal plans.
But not surprisingly, the organization's heavyweight grand prix could play a factor in the ultimate decision.
Overeem won the title four years ago and had defended it just once.
However, during his reign, the DREAM veteran and K-1 champion steadily
rose in the heavyweight MMA ranks. In fact, he was the key cog in an
eight-man heavyweight grand prix that kicked off earlier this year, and
this past month, he topped Fabricio Werdum in an opening-round matchup
to solidify his tourney-favorite status.
But Strikeforce officials booked the semifinals for Sept. 10, and citing
a toe injury, Overeem said he wouldn't be ready until October and bowed
out of the final four. A few days later, he was axed from the roster
completely.
Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker isn't discussing the release in detail, nor
are other officials. However, Overeem had just one fight remaining on
his current deal, and sources told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) discussions about his Strikeforce future weren't exactly productive in recent weeks.
So with no current champ for what is arguably Strikeforce's most
prolific weight class, could a new one come from the grand prix's final
four? The field, of course, includes a solid group including Josh
Barnett, Antonio Silva, Sergei Kharitonov and Overeem replacement
fighter Daniel Cormier.
"Yeah, certainly," Coker told MMAjunkie.com. "What we're going to do is
circle back in the offices next week, and then hopefully we'll have an
announcement MMA Junkie | |
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