Overeem: If Brett Rogers is such a good striker, why he is not fighting in K-1?
In an exclusive interview for the LowKick.com community, Overeem discussed various subjects regarding his training, Brett Rogers and Fedor Emelianenko.
Overeem’s next war is scheduled to take place at the K-1 World GP in Yokohama on April 4th, against the Bosnian veteran Dzevad Poturak. “The Demolition Man” will defend his Strikeforce Heavyweight Title on May 15th at the stacked Strikeforce: Heavy Artillery event, against the heavy-hitting Brett Rogers.
Alistair Overeem was born on May 17 1980, in Hounslow, England. He is currently training the famous Dutch Golden Glory Gym, alongside Semmy Schilt, Marloes Coenen, Errol Zimmerman and many others. Alistair Overeem is currently 32-11 in his Mixed Martial Arts career and 5-4 in K-1, fighting some of the promotion’s best talent.
You fought seven times (K-1 and MMA) in 2009, while most fighters compete only 2 or 3 times in a year. How do you cope with such a tight schedule and keep yourself prepared for the fight?
“I have the Golden Glory management behind me and a great team of trainers and fighters to prepare myself, mentally and physically.”
Your next fight is Brett Rogers on May 15th. What do you think about your opponent, and what kind of game plan do you prepare to use against him?
“I think that he is a strong and big fighter, but no more then that. My game plan is to knock him out!”
What do you think about pre-fight trash talking in Mixed Martial Arts? Do you think it can have any influence during the fight?
“Not really. Sometimes it is ok to hype up a fight and to bring more attention, but I guess that somebody calling me a coward like Brett did is just funny. He makes himself stupid or maybe does not know fighters like Bonjasky, Aerts and Badr Hari. If Brett is such a good striker and fearless why he is not fighting in K-1?”
Besides Mixed Martial Arts, what are the other activities you like to do?
“I like to read and spend time with my little daughter. I love to travel and I am happy Golden Glory opened a gym in Pattaya, Thailand.”
What do you think about James Toney‘s signing for the UFC and its influence on the sport?
“I think it is good for the sport and quite nice from a former boxing champion to challenge himself to fight in MMA. I advice tons of cross training (laughs).”
Alistair Overeem has also revealed that despite fulfilling his K-1 obligations in Yokohama on April 4th, he is still hoping to become a K-1 Heavyweight champion. Overeem stated that he is looking to continue fighting in K-1 in order to achieve that goal, something that Fedor Emelianenko or Brett Rogers “won’t even try”:
“I want that K-1 belt as well. So whoever wins, I want to fight and grab the K-1 heavyweight belt! I love challenging myself fighting in K-1 and MMA, and yes, after Rogers I want to fight Fedor. I already got a third place at the K-1 GP finals, something I do not see Rogers or Fedor even try!”
