Alistair Overeem knows a thing or two about being done (and having the face to prove it).
That’s probably why the former UFC heavyweight feels confident assessing the failed comeback attempt from Conor McGregor at UFC 329 last month in Las Vegas. “Notorious” returned from a five-year absence and blew out his knee in just 69 seconds, leading to another lengthy layoff.
“His body was finished five years ago so his return, to me, was nothing more than a money grab facilitated by the UFC,” Overeem told
Bloody Elbow. “I’m not seeing anything for him in fight sport, he’s done. I think we have to go one step further and that is that if you are going to fight or be an athlete, you need to have a certain lifestyle. You need to not go out and drink alcohol, you need to be making your rounds and I just don’t see that with him.”
McGregor, who blamed drugs and alcohol for his bad behavior, is now embracing a religious lifestyle.
“You look at his face – when you’re a fighter you can look at another man and kind of see what’s up – and he’s just not the same guy, he’s not a fighter,” Overeem continued. “He’s just not. I’m sure he can throw a punch and he can beat up some beginners or something. But for him to perform on the biggest stage? With all due respect I’m not seeing that for him any more.”
His eyelids are practically screaming.
Overeem (47-19, 1 NC) is hoping to make his own comeback this year and is currently targeting a trio of fights against kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven. All due respect to Overeem, who turned 46 back in May, but it sounds like Verhoeven has bigger fish to fry in the wake of this recent combat sports merger.
Maybe ’Reem can talk his way into this rematch?
