Alistair Overeem Issues a Familiar Statement
On the heels of Frank Mir being announced as the new opponent for Junior Dos Santos at UFC 146, the man originally scheduled to face JDS, Alistair Overeem has finally spoken. The former Strikeforce and Dream Heavyweight champion issued a statement early this morning through Authentic Sports Management.
“To my friends and fans,
I am deeply saddened to announce that on Friday, April 20, I respectfully withdrew from the May 26 event so that I can request a continuance until my situation with the Nevada State Athletic Commission is resolved.
I cannot express how sorry I am to the Commission, Junior Dos Santos, the fans, the owners and employees of the UFC, my friends and family and anyone else who this has affected.
I absolutely do not believe in, nor do I use performance-enhancing drugs. I am a clean fighter and I will do whatever it takes to prove this to everyone.
Prior to the UFC 146 press conference in March, I aggravated an old rib injury on my left side. My doctor prescribed, and I accepted, an anti-inflammatory medication that was mixed with testosterone. I was completely unaware that testosterone was one of the ingredients in the medication. Although I was unaware, I do realize it is my job to know what I am putting into my body.
I respect the Nevada Commissioners and Executive Director Keith Kizer and what they are doing to keep the sport of mixed martial arts regulated and safe for athletes. I look forward to working with them in the days and weeks ahead.
Friends and fans, I ask for your patience as I work through this matter. Please support me. I promise to return to the Octagon soon.”
Alistair Overeem is set to stand before the NSAC tomorrow regarding this matter but having already dealt with similar excuses by Christane Santos and Muhammed Lawal you can see why the UFC didn’t feel optimistic.
Overeem’s removal from the UFC 146 card has caused a ripple effect on the card with fighters now being shuffled around. Frank Mir moved up from his co-main event bout the Cain Velasquez to fight Dos Santos. Antonio Silva moved up from his bout with Roy Nelson to fill Mir’s spot against Velasquez, which now leaves Nelson without an opponent.
The moved likely haven’t stopped so stay tuned for more info on the soap opera that is UFC 146.
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