Overeem: I’m going to do whatever I have to earn title shot

Alistair Overeem lost to Fabricio Werdum via Kimura in the opening round of PRIDE 2006 Heavyweight Grand Prix. Five years later, ‘Reem won the rematch via decision in the quarterfinal round of the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix. On Saturday night at UFC 213 they had a trilogy fight, and Overeem won via a contriversial Majority Decision.

Werdum had been the #1 contender, and Overeem #3, so the winner would appear to be next in line for a title shot.

However, the fight was boring. And mixed martial arts is not a real sport. If you win the team to get into the SuperBowl, it doesn’t matter if you won a boring game, or don’t sell a lot of jerseys. In MMA, it does.

UFC president Dana White was asked if Overeem had done enough to earn another title shot at Stipe Miocic.

That isn’t the greatest fight you’ve ever seen,” replied White, as transcribed by Eddie Goldman for ADCombat. “But I don’t know how you give anyone a 10-8 round like Werdum got from a judge. But I bet Werdum is kicking himself for taking him down at the end of the fight. He had him out on the feet. But Alistair is one of the best in the world.

At the post-fight press conference, Werdum said he was committed to doing whatever it takes for another shot at the title.

I believe the first two-and-a-half rounds I was dominating, picking my shots, said Overeem, as transcribed by Ken Hathaway for MMAjunkie. The third round was not too clean – a little bit ugly if I’m honest. All respect to Fabricio. His striking is improving with every fight, it seems. He’s a tough opponent, and he’s there to fight. I clipped him a couple times hard, I cut him, I rocked him, and he rocked me. When you fight [someone at Werdum’s level] you know it’s not going to be easy.

Dana White is the boss, and it was a decision. It was not a clear-cut, dominant performance. I’m here to do whatever’s needed to get that title shot. If we have to run through somebody else, then so be it. If we’re going to get the title shot now, then so be it.

I’m a fighter first, and I like to stay active. We’re going to do whatever’s needed to get to the title. Just be positive. I like my development as a fighter. I believe every opponent gives me the opportunity to become a better fighter. If we have to face somebody else first, fine.

Overeem is 37 years old and has been fighting for 18 years.

My clock is ticking, but I feel great, he said. I’m still beating these top opponents. The way I see it is my body’s still perfect. I came into this fight zero problems, zero injuries. I’m going to keep going until I don’t like it anymore. Up until now I love it. I enjoy my career, I enjoy the traveling, I enjoy the training, and I enjoy the development. Every opponent makes me a better fighter. And let’s be honest: It would be a lot less interesting, more boring if I wouldn’t be around.

Stipe Miocic, I’ve got something to set right with him. I think my hand is shuffled differently this time. But let’s see what happens.