Strikeforce heavyweight champion, Alistair "The Demolition Man" Overeem (35-11-0) has reportedly been removed from the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix bracket after the fighter made public an internal dispute between his camp and Zuffa over the timing of the semi-final matchups, expected to take place later this summer.Speaking with MMAFighting.com on Monday, Overeem had the following to say regarding a prospective September 10 showdown against Brazilian giant, Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva (16-2-0):
“That is not going to take place,” Overeem stated. “What’s going to happen next, I don’t know. I’ve had some threats of cutting me out of the tournament if I don’t participate. I don’t know if they’re going to do it. Personally, I don’t like to be threatened.”
It wasn't long after the interview that Tatame.com, a Brazilian publication, reported that Overeem had in fact been removed from the bracket, partially as a result of the remarks he made earlier that day. Filling in for the Dutch striker will be American Olympic wrestler and undefeated heavyweight prospect out of AKA, San Jose, Daniel Cormier (8-0-0). Cormier began his professional MMA career in late 2009, and has racked up eight consecutive wins in less than two full years competing. The Lafayette, Louisiana native last appeared June 18, defeating submission specialist and UFC veteran, Jeff Monson by unanimous decision over three hard-fought rounds.
Sherdog.com was able to catch up with Antonio Silva's manager earlier today who spoke of his fighter's disappointment:
“Unfortunately, it’s true, Overeem decided not to fight. We don’t know why, but Antonio is pretty much disappointed. ... I can’t confirm who will replace Overeem, but I can guarantee Antonio will be ready. He just arrived in Rio de Janeiro to train with Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and his team for the upcoming fight.”
Silva last appeared in February of this year defeating legendary Russian, Fedor Emelianenko by [T]KO doctor stoppage when a ringside physician declared "The Last Emperor" unable to continue after two rounds, with substantial swelling around his eye. "Bigfoot" has been calling out the Strikeforce heavyweight champ for some time now, but will have to wait longer still, as his camp shifts their strategy for a wrestling-based Cormier.
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