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With love affair in Japan maybe Overeem doesn't need the UFC | read this item

With love affair in Japan maybe Overeem doesn’t need the UFC

November 25, 2010 � UFC Betting Staff � Jump to comments

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Alistair Overeem has been on a quite tear in and out the ring. Since 2007, he’s ripped through his MMA and K-1 fights, winning 14-of-16. He’s also wrecked weight rooms around the world. At 6-foot-5, 245 pounds, he possesses one of the most impressive physiques in the fight game. Plain and simple, he looks like a heavyweight champ.

Japan is fascinated with the Dutchman. His endorsement and merchandising potential in Japan is massive. Overeem, 30, released another great episode in his documentary series “The Reem.” It’s a nice look into the Japanese culture and its relationship with star athletes from the West.

Overeem’s future will be interesting to track. When Dana White questions his standing in the heavyweight rankings, in what may be an effort to push him towards the UFC, should “The Reem” even pay attention?

It depends on what Overeem wants.

“For me, it’s all about my career and my success. And my financial situation. On the other hand I’m kind of proud to represent K-1,” Overeem said. “I think I’ve grown as a striker. I think the striking has really developed me as an MMA fighter. I want to win that (2010 K-1 WGP) title. I want to prove to the world that I’m unique, a champion in MMA (and) a champion in K-1.”

If he wants to fight the best in MMA – and that’s certainly a debatable topic when it comes to heavyweights – then he’ll eventually make his way to the UFC.

If Overeem covets the freedom of fighting both MMA and kickboxing, then he’ll never fight for Zuffa.

There’s also the issue of money. Just look at the endorsement career of someone like Bob Sapp, to witness how much potential the Japanese market holds for elite fighters who have that certain look. If Overeem came to the UFC and eventually won the title, he could make a killing in the U.S. If he fell short and was just one of many on the massive UFC roster, then most major U.S. corporations would have zero familiarity with him and he’d probably lose out on some serious cash.

Overeem is currently ranked No. 8 in the USA Today/Bloody Elbow rankings. He’s ahead of UFC heavyweights like Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Cheick Kongo, Brendan Schaub and Roy Nelson. Should he yearn for a spot with America’s biggest promotion or is it counterproductive to his career?

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