I've got good news and bad news for the fans watching the UFC 141: "Lesnar vs. Overeem" pay-per-view (PPV) event on Dec. 30, 2011, from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The good news is Alistair Overeem has passed his initial pre-fight drug test, which became the center of attention following the Nevada State Athletic Commission's (NSAC) conditional license granted to "The Reem" earlier this month.
The bad news is the haters will have to find something else to complain about.
Like his full-framed opponent at UFC 141, Overeem has long been the subject of a steroids debate, despite never failing a drug test. A majority of the finger pointing came after his move from light heavyweight, where he was a slim and trim 205-pounds during his PRIDE fight campaign.
Horse meat, FTW.
Today's "official" announcement came from UFC President Dana White, who tweeted the fight was "ready to go." Shortly thereafter, NSAC Executive Director Keith Kizer confirmed that Overeem has not, in fact, been spiking his lemonade.
The urine sample submitted by Mr. Overeem in the U.K. on 12/14 came back negative for all prohibited substances.
"Demolition Man" must still submit to an additional pre-fight test upon his stateside arrival, in addition to his post-fight sample, but for now, one hurdle has been cleared and there is little reason to believe the next two won't be as well.
Then again, the mixed martial arts mantra has always been "Anything can happen," so let's remain cautiously optimistic.
For more on the UFC 141 main event click here.