Alistair Overeem came into the UFC with as much hype as any fighter in the company's history, but it's been a meteoric fall from the top of the heavyweight food chain. Overeem was once considered the number-one contender to the heavyweight championship, but a failed drug test and three knockout losses in his last four fights have completely derailed his chances.
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After suffering a surprising loss to Ben Rothwell at UFC Fight Night 50 last Friday, Overeem is in danger of potentially getting cut from the UFC. He likely needs to win in exciting fashion in his next fight if he hopes to remain relevant, but which opponent makes the most sense?
Here are three possible options for Overeem to try and get his career back on track:
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Gabriel Gonzaga
A nine-year UFC veteran, Gonzaga has always been an exciting fighter but he's never been able to crack the threshold into contender status. At 2-2 in his last four fights and coming off a loss to Stipe Miocic in January, Gonzaga is also in desperate need of a win. This could be billed as a "Loser Leaves Town" type of fight, as both he and Overeem are on the chopping block. Gonzaga is at the tail end of his career so if Overeem comes in and fights like "The 'Reem" of old, this might be an easy win for him.
Mark Hunt vs. Roy Nelson loser
Probably the most logical matchup for Overeem would be the loser of Saturday's UFC Fight Night 52 main event. Hunt and Nelson are top-10 heavyweights with great striking skills. While he'd definitely be in danger of suffering another knockout loss as both Hunt and Nelson have dynamite in their hands, Overeem would be able to showcase his striking skills against either fighter. A loss to Hunt or Nelson likely wouldn't result in Overeem getting cut from the UFC since they are two of the best heavyweights right now. A win over either one of them would do wonders for Overeem's title hopes.
Junior dos Santos
Probably the most illogical matchup for Overeem, but this was the fight we were supposed to see in 2012 while dos Santos was champion and before Overeem tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs. "Cigano" hasn't fought in almost a year while recovering from a hand injury and recently told MMAJunkie.com he is aiming for a December return. The former heavyweight champion last fought in October and lost to current titleholder Cain Velasquez but is still ranked second in the heavyweight division. Overeem has been accused of ducking a fight with dos Santos so if he hopes to dispel those rumors and get right back into the title conversation, this is the fight to take.
Honorable mention goes to light heavyweight contender Anthony Johnson, who recently told MMAFighting.com he'd be willing to fight Overeem at a catchweight of 230 pounds, though that is highly unlikely to happen anytime soon.
Who do you think Overeem should face next? Let us know at @SportsWN and @doricsam83.
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