Alistair Overeem was forced to overcome adversity inside the octagon Saturday before leaving the UFC on ESPN 8 main event against Walt Harris as a winner.
It looked as though Overeem (46-18 MMA, 11-7 UFC) would be finished by Harris (13-8 MMA, 6-7 UFC) in the heavyweight headliner at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla., but instead he turned the tables and rallied to score the second-round TKO, giving him three wins in his past four fights.
Overeem turned 40 just minutes after getting his hand raised, but he still very much looks to be a top-tier heavyweight. UFC gold has been the only thing that’s evaded him throughout his illustrious career, and after coming up short in his first opportunity against Stipe Miocic at UFC 203 in September 2016, he’s determined to get back there one final time.
Given the top-heavy nature of the division, Overeem is not far off. But what’s the appropriate step to take him toward the strap? A fellow former title challenger in Derrick Lewis (23-7 MMA, 14-5 UFC) could be the solution.
Is that what makes most sense? Watch the video above for thoughts and analysis on Overeem’s future coming out of UFC on ESPN 8.
