Alistair Overeem, the renowned combat sports legend who achieved success in promotions like UFC, K-1, and Strikeforce, has made the decision to retire from fighting. During an interview with Lovin Dubai over the weekend, the 43-year-old athlete revealed his retirement while primarily discussing nutrition and the recent changes to his physique.
Overeem stated, “This actually aligns with my new goals because I have decided to step away from fighting. It’s no longer my passion.” After an impressive 25-year career, he expressed his excitement about pursuing other endeavors. “We’re going to embark on new and exciting ventures now,” Overeem added.
Following his final UFC appearance in February 2021, where he suffered a second-round TKO loss to Alexander Volkov, Overeem participated in sporadic competitions. He returned to kickboxing, a discipline where he had previously claimed several titles. Although a scheduled fight with Rico Verhoeven fell through, he eventually faced long-time rival Badr Hari once again at a Glory Kickboxing event in October. While Overeem emerged victorious in the trilogy bout, the result was later changed to a no-contest due to his positive drug test and subsequent one-year suspension.
During the interview with Lovin Dubai, Overeem also discussed his physical transformation and why he no longer resembles his formidable “Ubereem” persona. He explained, “I have been exploring various health-related practices. This is the next chapter of my life, dedicated to promoting health.” The former fighter revealed that he has adopted a vegetarian diet and lost his desire for consuming meat. Despite acknowledging its delicious taste, he firmly believes that meat has negative effects on the body and has consciously chosen to abstain from it.
Overeem’s professional fighting career, which began in 1999, saw him amass numerous achievements in both MMA and kickboxing. He competed for the UFC heavyweight title in 2016, held championships in Strikeforce and K-1, and participated in Japan’s legendary PRIDE promotion. With an MMA record of 47-19 (1 NC), Overeem concludes his career as a highly decorated athlete.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about retirement
When did Alistair Overeem announce his retirement from fighting?
Alistair Overeem announced his retirement from fighting during an interview with Lovin Dubai over the weekend.
What were Alistair Overeem’s notable achievements in combat sports?
Overeem had a successful career in combat sports, competing in promotions like UFC, K-1, Strikeforce, and PRIDE. He fought for the UFC heavyweight title in 2016, won championships in Strikeforce and K-1, and participated in legendary PRIDE events.
Why did Alistair Overeem decide to retire?
Overeem stated that fighting is no longer his passion and that he wants to pursue other endeavors. After 25 years in the sport, he expressed his desire to explore new and exciting ventures.
What changes did Alistair Overeem make to his lifestyle?
Overeem mentioned that he has been focusing on promoting health and nutrition in his next chapter. He revealed that he has become a vegetarian and believes that meat has negative effects on the body.
What was the outcome of Alistair Overeem’s final fight?
Overeem’s final fight in the UFC resulted in a second-round TKO loss to Alexander Volkov. However, he continued to compete in kickboxing, winning a trilogy bout against Badr Hari, although the result was later overturned to a no-contest due to a positive drug test.
More about retirement
- Alistair Overeem announces decision to ‘stop fighting,’ focused on promoting health
- Alistair Overeem’s UFC Profile
- Alistair Overeem’s Kickboxing Career
- Alistair Overeem’s Strikeforce Profile
- Alistair Overeem’s K-1 Profile
- PRIDE Fighting Championships
