Mixed Martial Arts Forum banner

Shane Carwin says Alistair Overeem is close to signing with the UFC.

1K views 6 replies 7 participants last post by  Rauno 
#1 ·
UFC heavyweight Shane Carwin has been out of action since his loss to Junior dos Santos at UFC 131, but he is a regular poster on The Underground. Today, he had something very interesting to say in regards to another top heavyweight, former Strikeforce heavyweight champion Alistair Overeem. Here's what he said:

" I had a chance to speak with him (Overeem) at the Magic Convention in Las Vegas (no we were not the big and tall models) and he said that he and Dana were close to a deal and he would likely be in the UFC before 2012. I think he would make a great addition to the roster.

When I decided that I was going to try for the UFC the HWT division was not nearly as stacked as it is today. The up and coming guys have tons of talent and heart and the top of the division is full of super talented guys. I am excited about all of the potential fights. I have gone to war with many of these guys in my mind and I can't wait for an opportunity to hit and be ht by them."

He then asks people who he should fight next. He doesn't make any particular challenge towards Overeem or say he'd like to fight him, like Frank Mir recently did in an interview with MiddleEasy. Carwin stated recently that he probably wouldn't return until early 2012 anyway, so Overeem would have to wait a bit to face Carwin. That being said, who would be Alistair Overeem's first opponent if he signed with the UFC? It's a short list:


Shane Carwin - It seems like the most natural matchup to me, barring an immediate title shot. Carwin's wrestling could give Overeem trouble, and Carwin has shown a very good chin and a lot of heart. While I would definitely favor Overeem if forced to choose between them, I think Carwin would put up a better fight than the next four candidates.

Brock Lesnar - Dana White says he'll be back in early 2012, so it's a possibility if Overeem wants to wait. Rumors have been circulating that Lesnar wants to fight Frank Mir again for his comeback fight though, and Brock generally gets what he wants (even if Mir's not all that into it).

Frank Mir - Same situation as above. If Mir's booked against Lesnar, that takes him off the table. If not, he still doesn't seem like the most viable candidate for Overeem's first fight though. Mir has been crushed by power strikers in Lesnar and Carwin already, and I'm not sure it's a fight the fans would clamor for.

Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira - Big Nog resurrected his career with the win over Brendan Schaub at UFC 134, but I really hope they don't book this. I like Nogueira. I don't want to see him get knocked out in devastating fashion.

Brendan Schaub - I really can't see the UFC giving Schaub that fight coming off a brutal loss to Nogueira.

Loser/Winner of Cain Velasquez vs. Junior dos Santos - If Overeem is looking to fight this year, then that is likely out the window due to the Cain/JDS fight not going down until October. If he's willing to wait, it's more likely (in my opinion) that Overeem fights the winner in a straight title shot. Dan Henderson was given two title shots straight away after coming over from Pride as a dual champion, and Nick Diaz is getting one straight away as well. Jake Shields didn't, but he is nowhere near as popular as Alistair Overeem. Even though Overeem was stripped of the Strikeforce heavyweight belt, the champion vs. champion storyline would be pretty huge.

Obviously this is all speculation until Dana White gets Overeem's name on a contract, but it seems like there are few options for him anyway. I do have one question though - why the heck were Alistair Overeem and Shane Carwin at a magic convention?
http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2011/8/2...listair-overeem-close-to-signing-ufc-nma-news
 
#2 ·
Of the HW's listed, I would favor Overeem against Schaub only. To quote BJ talking about GSP, Overeem is a frontrunner, a bully, and when he gets pressured he's gonna quit.

He's quit before as has his brother and all the physique in the world won't help when he's fighting guys other than Duffee and Werdum. Cain, JDS, Brock, and Mir would all be able to take him down if they wanted and as soon as he starts getting hit he'll crumble. The guy's a fraud.

His win list includes Duffee, Rogers, and Werdum.

He's lost to Werdum, Sergei, Rua x2, Arona, Nog Lite x2, and Liddell. He's gonna have alot of upset fans if and when he comes to the UFC.
 
#3 ·
My problem with Reem, even in K1 is that he stands there like he can absorb anything. It's hurt him in the past, and will definitely hurt him when he fights a legit UFC HW. I see his stock falling quick after a few fights in the UFC. He should be in the UFC though, he'll hang with most, just won't have the Uber ora about him for long.
 
#7 ·
My problem with him is that in MMA fights, he stands inside the pocket just like in K-1, acting like his wearing those big boxing gloves. At least in the Werdum fight he did. There are a lot of questions to be answered here, his style works perfectly in kickboxing but does it work under MMA rules as well? We shall see.
 
#5 ·
I'd imagine his management will ask for an immediate title match, but they'll give em Brock instead. Nobody else makes sense.

Strangely I see two completely different outcomes.

1.) Brock charges Overeem and eats a knee and gets knocked out.
2.) Brock charges Overeem and GNPs em to a TKO victory.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top