MMA legend Alistair Overeem is returning to the world of kickboxing.
The former UFC title challenger, DREAM champion, and Strikeforce champion signed a multi-fight deal with the Glory Kickboxing promotion. ESPN was the first to report that Overeem officially put pen to paper and will once again tie up his kickboxing laces. A debut opponent has not been made official yet.
Just over a decade ago, Overeem left the confines of the kickboxing ring to pursue other athletic endeavors like MMA.
Overeem left the kickboxing world on top. Specifically, he departed as the K-1 World Grand Prix champion. Years later, the heavyweight still appears to have a burning desire to compete.
Overeem became a free agent following his release from the UFC earlier this year.
Alistair Overeem Drops MMA Gloves And Picks Up A Pair Of Glory Gloves
In a tweet by MMA reporter Ariel Helwani, Overeem can be seen dropping his MMA gloves in the video. The video ends with Overeem strapping on kickboxing gloves and walking away.
Alistair Overeem is returning to his kickboxing roots.@Alistairovereem has signed a multi-fight deal with Glory Kickboxing, his management team told ESPN this AM.
His @GLORY_WS debut isn’t set yet, but it is expected to come later this year.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) June 8, 2021
The 41-year old Dutchman holds a kickboxing record of 10-4 but his MMA record far exceeds those numbers. In particular, Overeem’s MMA record is 47-19, and he has always proved to be a puzzling striker. “The Demolition Man” last competed in February which resulted in a TKO loss against Alexander Volkov.
While the news came out of left-field, undoubtedly fans have an appetite to see Overeem once again compete in the sport of kickboxing.
