A pair of former UFC fighters are set to compete on the Jake Paul vs. Cedric Doumbe headlined boxing event.
Most Valuable Promotions announced on Thursday that a heavyweight matchup between Alistair Overeem and Jimi Manuwa is set for the Dec. 24 card in Dubai. The bout takes place over a scheduled six rounds.
Overeem hasn’t competed since having his Glory win over Badr Hari overturned from a win to a no-contest after a failed druge test in October 20o2. “Demolition Man” hopes after this fight with
Manuwa, it will get him to a matchup with Rico Verhoeven — one he’s been calling for for quite some time.
“I’ve fought the best in the world, and I’ve been a world champion in multiple disciplines,” Overeem said. “Now I’m starting a new chapter in boxing, and I’m not here to make up the numbers. Jimi Manuwa is a dangerous man with serious knockout power, but I’ve built my career on taking the toughest challenges in combat sports. I grew up in the Netherlands, but Dubai is my home now, and on Christmas Eve I’m bringing the Demolition Man to Coca-Cola Arena. Jimi had better be ready, because I’m coming to put on a show. Once I stop Jimi, Rico Verhoeven is next on my hit list.”
Manuwa is coming off of a knockout win over Chase Sherman in a boxing match at Duel Arena 1 in August — his first fight in over seven years.
“London is in everything I do,” Manuwa said. “Where I come from, pressure makes you, and it makes me. I’ve watched Alistair since I was coming up, and I know exactly what he’s capable of. That’s why I wanted this fight. After my win in Orlando, I wasn’t looking for an easy opponent. On Christmas Eve, one of us is going to sleep, and it’s not going to be me.”
Broadcast details for the event have not been announced.
