When the UFC returns to action this weekend, it brings with it heavyweight legend Alistair Overeem, looking to make one last run at the UFC title.
That’s not some writer searching for a storyline, either. Overeem has flat out said that this will be the last run of his career. Three, maybe four more fights, and the “Demolition Man” will be hanging up the gloves for good, after a storied career that took him to PRIDE, K-1, DREAM, Strikeforce, and finally the UFC.
He’s had plenty of success inside the octagon, but gold has eluded him thus far. At UFC 203 in 2016, in his lone title shot in the promotion, Overeem came up short against Stipe Miocic. At UFC Vegas 9 this weekend, Overeem faces the surging Augusto Sakai, part of a new wave of heavyweight talent in the UFC. A win will make it two in a row for The Reem. Sakai, who has won four in a row, would have the biggest win of his career. Both would still be outside of a title shot — but close. Very close.
Weigh-ins for the event go down Friday. Check back starting at 12PM ET for updates.
There were no surprises at the scales on Friday, unless you count Ray Rodriguez weighing in on short notice as a backup for Kelleher vs. Natividad. All fighters, however, made weight.
UFC Vegas 9: Overeem vs. Sakai Weigh-In Results
Main Card (ESPN+/TSN)
Heavyweight: Alistair Overeem (252.5) vs. Augusto Sakai (261.5)
Light Heavyweight: Ovince Saint Preux (205.5) vs. Alonzo Menifield (204)
Welterweight: Michel Pereira (170.5) vs. Zelim Idamaev (171)
Featherweight: Brian Kelleher (146) vs. Kevin Natividad (144.5)
Lightweight: Thiago Moisés (155.5) vs. Jalin Turner (155)
Preliminary card (ESPN+/TSN)
Middleweight: Andre Muniz (185.5) vs. Bartosz Fabiński (184.5)
Women’s Flyweight: Viviane Araújo (126) vs. Montana De La Rosa (125.5)
Heavyweight: Alexandr Romanov (259) vs. Marcos Rogério de Lima (260.5)
Bantamweight: Cole Smith (135) vs. Hunter Azure (135.5)
Featherweight back-up: Ray Rodriguez (145)
