Overeem released by Blackzilians, has new management, has surgery
“It was a hard call for me, but I think it was something that was mutually in both our heads,” said Glenn Robinson of releasing Alistair Overeem.
Steph Daniels recently conducted a wide-ranging interview with Blackzilian team chief Glenn Robinson.
After just two years the team roster includes Rashad Evans, Tyrone Spong, Anthony Johnson, and Abel Trujillo, but it no longer includes Melvin Guillard or Alistair Overeem.
“(Alistair Overeem) hasn’t trained with the team in a long time,” said Robinson. “His last camp he did in Thailand, and the camp before that he did in our gym, but he brought in his own trainers except for Kenny Monday, and he did all his training late at night. He had his own sparring partners, and basically did everything on his own.”
“He’s not on our roster anymore, to be honest. It was a hard call for me, but I think it was something that was mutually in both our heads. I ended up making that decision because I didn’t feel I was the right person for him. I felt that there were people out there that could better take care of him. I had always told him that if I didn’t think I could do the best job for him, I would bow out, so that’s what I did.
“I still wish him the best. I feel like he has the ability to be the champ very easily. When he’s on his game, he’s just devastating. I think the best Alistair is yet to be seen.
“I don’t think he’s talking to anyone yet as far as new management, but I know he’s shopping around for a new camp. I’ve heard rumors, but nothing that I want to throw out on his behalf.
In fact, Overeem has officially signed with VFD Marketing, his third management company in two years, having been part of Team Golden Glory previously.
MMAjunkie today confirmed VFD president John Fosco has signed the UFC heavyweight.
While I made some good friends in the process and have a lot of respect for Glenn Robinson, I felt it was time to move forward into a more structured business environment catered to my specific needs, said Overeem. I am fully confident that making this move is the best choice for me at this point in my career.
The Dutch-English fighter, who now resides in Florida, remains unbooked. Recently, he drew headlines for turning down a proposed fight with Junior dos Santos, whom he was scheduled to fight for the title at UFC 146 before a failed drug test nixed the opportunity. Overeem explained he had a rib injury and was unable to fight, but he again drew White’s ire.
In other Overeem news, he is undergoing surgery for the first time, reportedly to repair a pinched nerve in his elbow. He is expected to recover in just three weeks.
Alistair Overeem@Alistairovereem
•Big day today – Surgery – my 1st in my fight career so not complaining, but rather happy my body held out healthy for as long as it did.
•Going in – In very good spirits, and aiming for an octagon return as soon as possible!