Alistair Overeem is targeting a shot at the UFC heavyweight title after his stunning TKO upset win over Junior Dos Santos on the co-main event of UFC on Fox 17.
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The massive British-born Dutchman flattened the former heavyweight champ with a huge left hook before follow-up hammerfists saw the fight stopped 4.43 into the second round.
The win stretched the 35-yearold’s streak to three and ensured memories of his three knockout losses to Antonio Silva, Travis Browne and Ben Rothwell were firmly put behind him. But a shot at the championship could be in jeopardy as it was widely reported in the lead-up to Saturday night’s clash that the fight would be the last of his UFC contract and would mean he becomes a free agent.
“My focus has been on this big fight,” Overeem said. “My entire focus was on it. When my entire focus is on training, I just do 100 per cent that and nothing else. This is the new reality. I’m going to have to look at what’s going on, and I’m actually looking forward to it.
“I do think a title shot is there. I’m very confident with the team and the people around me that we could pull that off. But let’s negotiate and see what happens.”
It’s the second time Overeem has been tipped for a tilt at the title after his sensational UFC debut saw him knockout Brock Lesnar – a victory that put him in line to take on then champ Dos Santos.
Overeem just walked by me and said stay over there, “don’t call us, we’ll call you.” Mr. Big Shot now!
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) December 20, 2015
However, a failed drugs test for elevated testosterone levels took him out of the fight, and seven bouts later he’s still trying to get back to the championship level.
“I’ve been training 22 years and competing 19 years,” Overeem added. “I’ve had ups and downs in my career, and it’s something that comes with it.
“Never give up, always keep positive, always keep creative, assemble good people around you, and you’re going to do fine. That’s just something I live by that I hold on to. And now we’re here.
“But I’m not done yet. I’m going to keep going, so I’m already going to head back into camp in January and I’m going to be ready for what’s going to happen next.”
The current heavyweight champ, Fabricio Werdum, will rematch Cain Velasquez in the main event at UFC 196 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on February 6.
