Alistair Overeem makes pick for Miocic vs Ngannou 2

By Andrew Whitelaw - February 2, 2021

Alistair Overeem knows Stipe Miocic and Francis Ngannou well, having fought both of them.

Alistair Overeem, UFC St. Petersburg

Ngannou will again look to wrench the UFC heavyweight title from Miocic when the pair meet at UFC 260 next month.

Looking ahead to the fight, Overeem had a tough time choosing between the pair but in a recent interview with SCMP MMA, the former Strikeforce, DREAM and K-1 champion said,

“Both are strong, both are fit, both are doing their thing. I can’t say too much about it. I’ve no idea. If I were to have to go for somebody it would be Stipe.”

Miocic scored a dominant win over Daniel Cormier in their trilogy fight back in August to enhance his legacy as one of the greatest heavyweights of all-time. The Ohio-born star also knocked out Overeem in their 2016 bout at UFC 203.

Ngannou, too, scored an emphatic knockout win against Overeem in the first round at UFC 218, and ‘the Demolition Man’ is not ruling the Cameroonian out, saying,

“He’s (Stipe’s) looking really good. But so’s Francis right? They both look strong and good.”

Now 40, and ranked at number 5 in the division, Overeem is preparing to make once last run at the UFC heavyweight title. He’ll take on No 6-ranked Alexander Volkov at UFC Vegas 18 this weekend.

Currently riding a 2-fight winning streak, the Dutchman is in good form, but remains mindful that his time in the sport is coming to an end, and said,

“I don’t think it’s too healthy if you’re going to fight above 42. Everything until 42 is good, but you see it on Anderson Silva right? You see it on the fighters. They’re getting a little slower and I just don’t think that that is the way to go.”

If Overeem gets past Volkov in style then perhaps a rematch with either Miocic or Ngannou is on the horizon. The Dutchman will be seeking his 48th professional win against the Russian and has been competing in MMA since 1999. Clearly, he retains a lot of love for the sport and admires both athletes,

“Well besides that (Miocic vs Ngannou 2) being a super exciting match-up, I’m also a fan of the UFC. So I’ll be watching them fight but I also like to watch the UFC, I like to see the other champions fight,” said Overeem.

Will the ‘the Reem’ get one more crack at UFC gold?

This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM


Topics:

Alistair Overeem Francis Ngannou Stipe Miocic UFC