Overeem hearing date set; UFC will await outcome to decide on UFC 146 title fight

For those anxiously awaiting news of a replacement opponent for Heavyweight Champion Junior dos Santos at UFC 146, you may be waiting a little longer than expected.

Originally set to challenge the Brazilian, Alistair Overeem‘s participation in the match-up came under doubt when the Dutchman’s testosterone levels tested above what is permitted by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

While there has yet to any news regarding Overeem’s immediate future, the nature of the surprise testing, which was conducted out of competition, will afford him the opportunity to explain away the results at an upcoming hearing. That hearing, according to the commission Executive Director Keith Kizer, will take place on April 24th, giving Overeem ample time to be licensed for the event if so decided by the NSAC.

What explanation the former Strikeforce Champion could offer to explain away his testosterone levels reaching more than twice the allowed limit remains unclear, but that now appears to be exactly what the UFC is hinging their hopes on. According to Dave Meltzer, UFC President Dana White has stated that no decision will be made on the UFC 146 main event prior to Overeem’s hearing.

Should the current number-one contender fail to obtain a license, White has assured in recent days that dos Santos will, in fact, defend the Heavyweight title, while also excluding such possible replacement opponents as Frank Mir, Cain Velasquez, and Dan Henderson.

With the hearing now more than two weeks out, and no apparent challenger for dos Santos readily available, it should be interesting to see what sort of back-up plan the UFC has in store for this one. Keep it locked on LowKick.com for more information on the matter as it becomes available.

Outer Photo: Heavy.com