Kickboxing and MMA veteran Alistair Overeem made headlines this week for all of the fallacious causes. The 42-year-old lately received a yearlong suspension from GLORY Kickboxing because of a drug take a look at failure stemming from his match with Badr Hari in November of final 12 months.
Whereas Overeem himself has but to present an official assertion, a core member of his combat staff needs to present their aspect of the story. Coach Nick Hemmers lately spoke through Dutch publication AD (H/T MMA Mania), clarifying that Overeem used an “anti-inflammatory” drug to deal with a again harm he sustained whereas getting ready for his 2021 GLORY title combat with Rico Verhoeven. The ‘Demolition Man’ was ultimately compelled to pull out of that fight due to injury.
Per the report, Hemmers re-affirmed an earlier declare from Overeem’s camp that the substance in query was a “non-performance enhancing drug” and that solely a “minimal quantity” was detected. He additionally described the present subject as “a little bit of an inflated story.”
“He has not used any means to be stronger within the ring. I feel it’s nonsense that his victory was taken away. We merely received that match in opposition to Badr, and I’ll all the time say that.”
All instructed it sounds just like the fighter is hoping to maneuver previous the state of affairs and perhaps even nonetheless get a combat in opposition to Verhoeven someday within the not too distant future.
“I simply preserve coaching him. We now have connection, so we preserve going and are available again stronger. Everyone seems to be ready for just one combat: Alistair in opposition to Rico. I hope it’s going to nonetheless occur.”
Due to the take a look at failure, Overeem’s win over Badr Hari was overturned to a No Contest. A portion of his purse was additionally reclaimed by the promotion as a wonderful for the infraction.
Concerning the writer: Milan Ordoñez has been protecting fight sports activities since 2012 and has been a part of the Bloody Elbow workers since 2016. He’s additionally competed in novice combined martial arts and submission grappling tournaments. (full bio)
