Last year, Alistair Overeem was supposed to participate in one of the most anticipated fights of the year. After decimating Brock Lesnar at UFC 141, The Reem was scheduled to challenge then champion Junior Dos Santos at UFC 146. Unfortunately the fight never came to fruition as Alistair failed a surprise drug test given to all the main card fighters at a press conference for the event in March.
UFC Star Alistair Overeem Tests Positive For Elevated Testosterone Levels | Alistair Overeem Denied License By NSAC, Unable To Reapply For 9 Months | Suspended UFC Star Alistair Overeem Begins Own Drug Testing Program | Alistair Overeem applies for license for UFC 156 bout with Bigfoot Silva
The commission refused to allow Overeem to even apply for a license for 9 months after the failed test. He submitted his applications to the Nevada State Athletic Commission on the first available date, December 27, 2012. On Tuesday, he appeared before the committee in order to get licensed for his upcoming fight on February 2.
Overeem was greeted by the committee with a friendly, “Good to see, ya!” The commission confirmed that Overeem had submitted 5 tests during his period of restriction and two more since. The most recent was on December 21, all 7 tests came back with a negative result. The commission went on to ask Overeem’s advice on improving the testing process. The motion to license The Reem passed unanimously.
Overeem is expected to fight Antonio Silva at UFC 156. The event is scheduled for Super Bowl weekend and will take place at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, NV. The main event features a Featherweight title fight between Jose Aldo and former Lightweight champion Frankie Edgar.