Alistair Overeem Claims The UFC Heavyweight Division Needs Him

Alistair Overeem won the third fight between himself and former UFC Heavyweight Champion Fabricio Werdum at UFC 213.

The heavyweight fighter now claims that it is the UFC Heavyweight Division that needs him right now, because the division would be boring without him.

“My clock is ticking, but I feel great,” Overeem said after the event. “I’m still beating these top opponents. The way I see it is my body’s still perfect. I came into this fight (with) zero problems, zero injuries. I’m going to keep going until I don’t like it anymore. Up until now I love it. I enjoy my career, I enjoy the traveling, I enjoy the training, and I enjoy the development. Every opponent makes me a better fighter. And let’s be honest: It would be a lot less interesting, more boring if I wouldn’t be around. Stipe Miocic, I’ve got something to set right with him. I think my hand is shuffled differently this time. But let’s see what happens.”

Overeem has previously challenged for the UFC Heavyweight Title before, losing to current champion Stipe Miocic at UFC 203. Despite losing his last title shot, the former Strikeforce Heavyweight Champion still wants another shot at the title.

“Dana White is the boss, and it was a decision,” Overeem said. “It was not a clear-cut, dominant performance. I’m here to do whatever’s needed to get that title shot. If we have to run through somebody else, then so be it. If we’re going to get the title shot now, then so be it. I’m a fighter first, and I like to stay active. We’re going to do whatever’s needed to get to the title. Just be positive. I like my development as a fighter. I believe every opponent gives me the opportunity to become a better fighter. If we have to face somebody else first, fine.”

Stipe Miocic doesn’t have another title shot lined up at the moment, and the gold was last defended against Junior Dos Santos at UFC 211.