Junior dos Santos and Alistair Overeem already have interest from BKFC following their UFC departure.
It was recently revealed that the UFC parted ways with dos Santos and Overeem. The news came as a surprise to many as both men competed under the UFC banner for years. Dos Santos is a former UFC Heavyweight Champion who had been with the promotion since 2008. Overeem was a top-ranked heavyweight who was with the UFC since 2011.
It didn’t take long for both dos Santos and Overeem to be contacted following their UFC exits. BKFC President David Feldman told BJPenn.com that there is interest in bringing in the two heavyweights.
“Yes, we are interested in both Junior dos Santos and Alistair Overeem. We have already made contact with them and their teams. Let’s see what happens.”
Following his UFC release, dos Santos issued the following statement on his Instagram account.
“Thanks, UFC for a great 12 years! I fought through MMA’s Murderer’s Row to get my shot at the belt. Holding and defending it was one of the great honors of my life. Thanks to every opponent, thanks to every fan and every critic. I’m going to spend some time back at the drawing board, but I’m excited to move on.”
Overeem also spoke on being dropped from the UFC roster.
“The final run has come to an end, but what a run it has been. Looking back at my 10 years in the UFC, this has been the experience of a lifetime. Huge thank you to the entire UFC staff, the fans and all the fighters I came across. Couldn’t have wished for any other better career path. A special thank you to Dana White and Lorenzo Fertitta for making everything possible. Fighting for all of you has been such an honor.”
In addition to BKFC showing interest in dos Santos and Overeem, RIZIN is also open to bringing in “The Reem.”