MMA star Alistair Overeem has announced his retirement from the sport.
The heavyweight has been absent from MMA since his last fight against Badr Hart in ‘Glory’ kickboxing.
While it was a victory that capped off their trilogy in style, as Overeem walked away with a unanimous decision, the result was overruled months later.
This was on the grounds that Overeem failed a drugs test, as the result was declared a no contest.
per @KrisDekkerMMA
Alistair Overeem has been suspended a year by GLORY for failing a drug test. His last fight will be declared a NC. pic.twitter.com/GE9WWf05Pc
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) March 14, 2023
Thereafter, Overeem was linked to a whole host of other organizations including ONE Championship, as well as turning up at RIZIN 43.
Although nothing was signed, the writing was on the wall for his career when Overeem showed off his huge weight loss recently.
“This is not my thing anymore.”
Alistair Overeem has announced his retirement, and detailed the lifestyle changes that led to his recent weight loss.
Link to full story on the next tweet. pic.twitter.com/FYbvXC7rfc
— Bloody Elbow (@BloodyElbow) July 4, 2023
But rather than it being a case of moving down in weight, Overeem called time on his career.
“I started doing detoxing. I have this special nutritionist. When I met him, I instantly knew this guy has knowledge so we started working and I started taking these supplements.
“Spirulina, corralline, and kelp. Every morning in a reasonably high dosage… After a couple of weeks, my diet, my appetite changed.
“This actually ties into what I want to do, because I actually just decided to stop fighting. This is not my thing anymore. It’s been 25 years right? We’re going to do some other cool stuff now,” Overeem said
Social Media Reaction
let him rest. he's a legend in my books. infact he should have retired long time ago
— Riddick_FX (@Riddick_FX) July 5, 2023
He fought for 30 years. Enjoy retirement and a healthy life.
— MENAC3 (@menac3__) July 4, 2023
I think he quit because his body couldn’t keep up with the gear and getting pooped by glory made him think why am I doing this?
— Waleed (@Wwaleeed5) July 5, 2023