Having fought both of the title challengers in the past and defeated them, Alistair Overeem considers himself an expert when it comes to breaking down the upcoming interim title fight between Fabricio Werdum and Mark Hunt.
Overeem is 1-1 against Werdum, having lost to him at PRIDE Total Elimintion Absolute in 2006, before avenging that loss as heavyweight champion in Strikeforce five years later. Having contested far longer encounters with the Brazilian, he is inclined to give him the slight advantage heading into the anticipated UFC 180 match-up.
“You know, at the heavyweight division it can go either way,” Overeem told Submission Radio. “Hunt is an exceptional fighter, but Fabricio has been showing great skill in his last several fights. It can go either way. That being said, I give Fabricio a slight advantage, but Hunt, Hunt is no easy (fight).”
Overeem met Hunt at Dream 5 in 2008 – a contest that he won in 71 seconds via submission. Nevertheless, Overeem still considers the New Zealand native to be the strongest man he has ever faced in professional competition.
“I fought him back in 2008. He’s the strongest guy I’ve ever fought. You know If you get hit (by Mark), you’ve got a problem. So it’s going to be an exciting match up and I’m actually excited for that fight in a couple of weeks.”
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