Lorenzo Fertitta: Alistair Overeem’s fate is in the NSAC’s hands

UFC co-owner Lorenzo Fertitta announced today that Alistair Overeem will not be scheduled to fight for the UFC until reinstated by the NSAC.  Currently suspended for nine months with elevated Testosterone levels,  Overeem could possibly be eligible to fight in late December. When asked about a possible year-end fight for Overeem, Fertitta quoted the following on the subject:

“That’s speculation. It’s in the NSAC’s hands.  The UFC can’t be presumptuous.” – via ESPN.com

Lorenzo Fertitta is obviously looking to protect the UFC’s best interests here, after the huge potential of an Junior dos Santos vs. Alistair Overeem bout slipped through his fingers. After destroying Brock Lesnar at UFC 141, Overeem’s momentum was at an all-time high, now he will return to much scrutiny. All of the Heavyweights at the pre-UFC 146 press conference were tested, and Overeem was the only one who did not pass.  Blaming the failed drug screen on a prescribed anti-inflammatory injection, Overeem will find out his fate according to the NSAC soon enough.

UFC President Dana White has not made any official announcement on the subject, with Overeem returning to fight for the title being a possibility. White will most likely wait to make this official decision as he presently deals with Meniere’s disease. The fight will most likely be a blockbuster whichever way it plays out.

It appears that the discussion of steroids and other PEDs will haunt MMA for the time being as the debate over testing rages on. Would random testing help out the situation? Is there a chance that The Reem will find himself in another huge year-ending card for the UFC? Who should he face upon his return? Whenever the massive kickboxer returns to the UFC Octagon, it may mired in controversy.

Further Reading: Alistair Overeem breaks silence, explains elevated Testosterone levels