DREAM 15: Alistair Overeem vs Ricco Rodriguez possible for July 10 in Saitama (Updated)
by Jesse Holland on Jun 30, 2010 12:21 PM EDT
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***Update: MMA Fighting brings word from Overeem's trainer that his participation is unlikely and that a decision to compete on July 10 will be made by the end of the week.
Strikeforce Heavyweight Champion Alistair Overeem may continue his overseas exploits when he does battle with former UFC Heavyweight Champion Ricco Rodriguez at the upcoming DREAM 15 event scheduled for July 10 from the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan.
DREAM officials today informed MMAmania.com of the pending match-up.
Overeem (33-11) returned to the states after a lengthy fight tour in Japan, stopping Brett "The Grim" Rogers via technical knockout to retain the division title he earned with a submission win over Paul "The Headhunter" Buentello way back in 2007.
Of course all the talk over the past few days has surrounded his pending title defense against Fabricio Werdum, who submitted "Demolition Man" while they competed under the now-defunct PRIDE banner.
"Vai Cavalo" earned his shot at the hulking Dutchman by upsetting the heavily-favored Fedor Emelianenko at the June 26 Strikeforce event in San Jose.
Unfortunately for the Brazilian, back-to-back Strikeforce fights don't seem to be high on Overeem's priority list. In addition to throwing hands in K-1, the Golden Glory standout has a 3-0 (1 NC) record for DREAM and is widely considered to be one of Japan's top heavyweight attractions.
That probably won't mean a whole lot to Rodriguez (42-11), who's also done his share of traveling. "Suave" has competed for both the UFC and PRIDE, but is perhaps best known for his public battles with obesity and drug abuse, even appearing on the "Celebrity Rehab" reality show with Dr. Drew.
Outside of his personal issues, Rodriguez is a world-class talent. In addition to capturing the Abu Dhabi Combat Club (ADCC) title in 1998 (open weight), he defeated Randy Couture at UFC 39 to win the promotion's vacant heavyweight title in 2002.
The New York native returned to a slim and trim physique in 2010, competing four times in regional promotions and going 4-0 with four (T)KO finishes. If Rodriguez is indeed "back," Overeem is going to have his hands full.
DREAM 15 will feature a light heavyweight grand prix as well as a highly anticipated lightweight title fight between bitter rivals Shinya Aoki and Tatsuya Kawajiri.
For more on the July 10 event click here.
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Reem should throw an 8ball on the ground and jump knee him when he goes for it
by FatAttack on Jun 30, 2010 12:30 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
That's hilarious!!
But I don’t think the 8-ball distraction will be required for Overeem to demo Rodriguez.
no shit
this is not even close to being a fair fight. it is a good thing this is taking place in japan because i dont think an athletic commission in the u.s. would approve this…….then again jan finney was given a license to fight cyborg
never have any regrets, because at the time, thats all you wanted to do
lol
So, all you Fedor haters and Overeem lovers, who’s fighting cans again?
Werdum is 1000000 times better than this guy.
by Lester The Pimp on Jun 30, 2010 12:31 PM EDT reply actions
Overeem has always been happy to fight cans,
that said, Ricco isn’t a fat blob anymore and could pull of the upset. That would leave SF with a pretty lackluster HW title fight.
Reem is all about quantity...
Between K-1 and MMA, he averages about a fight a month. Easily the most active HW out there.
Reem by TKO via Knee.
’’They've done studies you know... 60% of the Time, it works every Time...’’ – Brian Fantana
Calling Ricco a can...
Please dont post again your opinion is worthless Ricco is back on track and has always been good, with that said hes going to be smashed on shear size alone.
If you dont like drugs then dont do them.....give them to me!
by Khaos_Warrior on Jun 30, 2010 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Ricco is not a can?
How about you don’t post your worthless opinion. His 7 fight winning streak when he comes into this fight is against NOBODIES, unless you consider Travis Fulton a good fighter.
What happens if he loses?
Do you guys think that hurts strikforce in anyway
"IT IS WHAT IT IS"
This fight makes perfect sense.
After demolishing (see what I did there?) Brett Rogers to retain his Strikeforce HW belt, this is clearly the fight that all the fans want to see.
end sarcasm
"Before I do anything I ask myself, "Would an idiot do that?" And if the answer is yes, I do not do that thing." - Dwight Schrute
It Makes Sense If Overeem Has a Contract With Dream To Fulfill
I hope he knocks out all the remaining fights with Dream and simultaneously knocking the fights of from SF thus making him a Free Agent. Plus, we all whine about how champs are too inactive this guy fights all the damn time.
by AintNoSunshine on Jun 30, 2010 1:19 PM EDT up reply actions
youre right
I would love to see champions fight more often.
Thats why i will never complain when overeem is fighting a lesser opponent. I enjoy his fights to much
Leg kicks are the most underrated weapon in MMA
by robinhorobson on Jun 30, 2010 1:39 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Oh, and this is why the Reem will never sign with the UFC. Hes getting paid plenty fighting all over the world and he loves fighting in Japan and K-1 , and can fight alot of fights in a short span and does not have to wait to get a fight once every 6 months.
Shogun will have the longest championship reing in the UFC
Plus he can continue to juice up while over there since they don't drug test
He’s a fuckin cheater, and a chicken…that’s why he’ll never go to the UFC
you are a dumbass
First the juicing has never been proved so stfu. Second he is not a chicken he never turns down a fight thats why he is so active and thats also the reason he is not in the ufc because dana wont allow him to compete in k1. So please think before you start posting like a fucking idiot
Leg kicks are the most underrated weapon in MMA
by robinhorobson on Jun 30, 2010 1:36 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
what does overeem have to do with dana white? last time i checked dana and reem are actually friends and reem was interviewerd at a ufc ppv, and in a few of dana whites blogs
you can call it being on dana’s balls or seeing the sport for what it is, ufc=big leagues, SF=minor leagues
by randy murders on Jun 30, 2010 2:13 PM EDT up reply actions
For people calling Ricco a can...
That’s an ignorant thing to say. I saw him back in November-December ‘09 by some freak occurrence. He started teaching classes at the Gold’s gym I was a member of in NJ that also had a Renzo Gracie jiu jitsu school. He was in awesome shape, doing weight training right after kickboxing and jiu jitsu classes. I’ll definitely be surprised if he pulls off a victory against a monster like Overeem, but Ricco definitely isn’t a can anymore.
Why the hype Holland?
“If Rodriguez is indeed “back,” Overeem is going to have his hands full" I watched his win over travis fulton and he’s back to his old form I guess, but he certainly is not at the level of the new wave of mma fighters and that includes Overeem.. he’s going to get KO’d
who cares
Overeem needs to cut the bullshit and fight people that are relevant. He needs to get his ass in the UFC because he is a BAD dude and a scary MF! He’s only getting better at HW. Overeem vs. Brock or Carwin
have you seen he pool of fighters dream has?, he has a contract to finish with them
by randy murders on Jun 30, 2010 2:14 PM EDT up reply actions
RR is only 32, that is very surprising to me I throught he was well older.
I’m giving him a chance here.
1. He’s on a good run of wins, not over top 10 fighters but not over complete losers either. Which is almost the same as Reem who’s only recently fought Brett Rogers.
2. Reem is not much bigger than Rico, he’s an inch taller and only around 5lbs heavier so not a huge size advantage.
3. Reem has been taken down and beaten up before plenty of times by accomplished grapplers like Shogun (twice), Ricardo Arona, Werdum, Little Nog (twice) and since he’s become Mega-reem he’s never faced an accomplished grappler!?
4. Reem has not trained on his ground seriously tbh, he’s been fighting MMA for almost 11 years now, he should be a black belt by now or an excellent wrestler. I doubt that he is.
5. Rico is competent enough on the feet to at least stay away from Reem’s power and get the takedown
In fact I’m going for Rico unless Reem just man handles him like he did Rogers.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA….ok…ok…I’m done….what a joke this fight is. Overeem has a better chance of losing by shadow boxing.
Then You Have No Idea Who Ricco Rodriguez Is Then
by AintNoSunshine on Jun 30, 2010 3:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah I do...he's the guy who lost his UFC heavyweight belt to Timmy Silvia by an embarrassing knockout.
Another has been just like Tito is slowly becoming. My point is, this fight does nothing for Overeem’s credentials. Just another can for him to beat up on.
He Is 32. So still has a fight in him.
and maybe he did lose to Tim but so did ALOT of TOUGH guys. Also this is the same Ricco that many people believe was robbed vs Nogueira while they were in Pride and while Nog was in his prime. Ricco got out of shape and unmotivated. Before that he was top 10 HW. Your mistaken, sorry bud.
by AintNoSunshine on Jun 30, 2010 3:51 PM EDT up reply actions
As an admitted Nog lover I have to admit that Ricco got robbed
He was very good in his day though I doubt that he’ll ever get back to his best. If he hasn’t have had so many personal problems then Ricco would still be a threat. If he’s in shape then at least he can put up a decent fight which is more than I can say about Overreem’s usual opponents.
I <3 Dana White, the Ruler and Savior of the MMA World, and will serve his disciple, Synyster, faithfully to the end.
by David W-S on Jun 30, 2010 6:13 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Not a fair fight
I feel bad for Ricco. Gonna get his head smashed. Not sure how you think he’s gonna take Reem down, or not get completely tossed around. (see Overeem vs. Rogers)
I hope this doesnt happen.
Overeem could find better opponents, this is a disgrace. Dream has zero credibility, and that was before they announced this fight.
If Russia attacked Turkey from the rear, Do you think Greece would help?
WTF IS THIS CRAP?!?
Hungry Ricco is a washed out scrub. The only thing fight fans want to see is Overeem vs Werdum or Overeem vs Fedor. Dream sucks and so does Scott Coker for allowing his champ, yet again, to go to Japan.
Minowaman forever
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