In shocking news Strikeforce has released their heavyweight champion and the man once considered by many to be the favorite to win the promotion’s heavyweight grand prix, Alistair Overeem.
Inside MMA’s Ron Kruck reports Strikeforce has exercised its right to eliminate the one remaining fight on Overeem’s contract effective July 22.
Strikeforce’s issues with Overeem began when he declined to fight Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva in the heavyweight grand prix semifinals in September. Overeem said he was told his bout would be in October, not September, and he would not have enough time to adequately prepare.
Another issue Strikeforce had with Overeem, according to Kruck, is the fact he only had one fight left on his contract, and if he won in the semifinals, he would be required to fight again in the finals.
Overeem is scheduled to fight in Russia in October for United Glory. No opponent has been named.
With two of Strikeforce’s champions, Nick Diaz and Overeem, having recently left the fold, is the writing on the wall for an eventual merger with the UFC?