Strikeforce
Strikeforce reportedly cuts Heavyweight Champion Alistair Overeem
Jul 29, 2011 - 11:15:09 PM Strikeforce reportedly cuts Heavyweight Champion Alistair Overeem

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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

After being removed from the Strikeforce Heavyweight World Grand Prix earlier this month for being unable to fight by the Showtime set date of Sept. 10, Strikeforce Heavyweight Champion Alistair Overeem has been released from the organization entirely.

According to a report from HDNet's Inside MMA, Strikeforce officials exercised an option to cut a fighter with one fight remaining in their contract, though no details have yet emerged as to why the decision was made.

Overeem said in interviews earlier this month that a toe injury, along with being told a different date for the semifinals, led to him not being able to compete on the Sept. 10 card, where the semifinals of the tournament will be held. However, the Inside MMA report states that he also is suffering from an injured rib and an issue with his elbow as well. Furthermore, a new episode of his online documentary series "The Reem" reveals that he had an injured rib coming out of his quarterfinal win over Fabricio Werdum in June.

Additionally, Overeem's camp Golden Glory announced that the heavyweight would be competing on their October event, outside of Zuffa control.

Overeem captured the Strikeforce Heavyweight Title in 2007 with a victory over Paul Buentello. However, he's defended it just once, a May 2010 victory over Brett Rogers, and he's fought just twice in the organization since he won the belt.

Penick's Analysis: This is a bit of a shocking development, especially with no word yet as to any reasoning behind it. If those now running Strikeforce were unhappy with the way Overeem handled the issue of the semifinals, added with him taking a fight in October outside of the organization, this could have been a reactionary move to that. This could be a possible, but probably unlikely, move to then have Overeem sign with the UFC to make the move over, circumventing the Showtime deal. Whatever the reason, this is another blow to the Strikeforce roster after Nick Diaz was moved to the UFC.