Strikeforce
Dana White says Alistair Overeem still under contract, was replaced in Strikeforce Grand Prix simply due to injury
Jul 18, 2011 - 11:15:24 PM Dana White says Alistair Overeem still under contract, was replaced in Strikeforce Grand Prix simply due to injury

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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

Alistair Overeem's removal from the Strikeforce Heavyweight World Grand Prix today caused a bit of an uproar in the MMA community, but UFC President Dana White has now cooled things off with his explanation of Overeem's removal.

Essentially, Showtime had a date open for the next round of the tournament, Overeem has a toe injury that hasn't healed, and thus he has been replaced by an alternate.

"Sept. 10 was the date Showtime wants us to go, so it's the date we've got to go," White said in an interview with MMAJunkie.com. "It's unfortunate that Alistair is unavailable, but situations like this are why there are alternates in the tournament."

"Overeem is under contract, and when his pinky toe heals up, we'll get him another fight."

Overeem expressed earlier today that he felt some disrespect from Zuffa brass in trying to get him to fight in September and telling him he'd be out of the tournament if he didn't fight. Also, there was some speculation that he could have been attempting to leverage his services to get a better contract. However, White's side of the story suggest a much simpler explanation.

With Overeem out, Daniel Cormier will now meet Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva in the semifinals of the Heavyweight World Grand Prix on Sept. 10.

Link to Original Source Article

Penick's Analysis: This explanation makes a lot of sense, and though there could be more to it behind the scenes, the fact is Overeem is still under contract and will get another fight. It's unfortunate for the tournament, but like White said, that's why there are alternates in the tournament. With the UFC having three major events in October, the attention is going to be on those events, and Showtime saw this weekend as the right one for the next leg of the tournament. With Overeem claiming injury and not being ready by Sept. 10, it makes more sense to replace him to keep the tournament moving than once again separating fights in the same round.