Rumor: Bellator Gunning To Make Deal With Alistair Overeem
It seems as if more and more fighters in today’s fight game are fighting out their contracts and testing the free agency pool in search of the best deal possible.
Perhaps the biggest names as of late to do so would be former UFC lightweight champion “Smooth” Benson Henderson, and UFC heavyweight contender Alistair “The Reem” Overeem.
News broke earlier this week that Henderson had actually jumped ship and signed with Scott Coker and Bellator MMA.
Since taking over Bellator just a few years back, Coker has completely revamped the business model, and has since signed multiple former UFC fighters including Josh Thomson, Josh Koscheck, Phil Davis, and now Henderson.
With that being said, it would have to be assumed that Coker would be interested in signing such a big name like Overeem, and according to Jason Floyd of the MMAReport.com, the Bellator CEO is indeed attempting to make a deal with the former DREAM and Strikeforce champion:
@MMASun initially, I was thinking UFC based on comments Malki made after last fight. Based on some things I heard recently, sounds like
— Jason Floyd (@Jason_Floyd) February 3, 2016
@MMASun Bellator is making a big run at him and not sure UFC would match the rumor I am hearing
— Jason Floyd (@Jason_Floyd) February 3, 2016
After demolishing Brock Lesnar in his UFC debut at UFC 141, “The Reem” was thought to be on a one track course to a UFC title and super stardom. However, he would soon hit some rough times including multiple setbacks.
Now a winner of three straight including two finishes, Overeem appears to be on the brink of a coveted UFC heavyweight title shot, although little has been talked about regarding his future inside of the Octagon.
Will “The Reem” be the next to be snagged up by Coker?