Alistair Overeem sues former management team Golden Glory

If you can't beat 'em, take 'em to court.

That's what UFC heavyweight Alistair Overeem is doing in regards to his former management team, Golden Glory. According to "The Reem," he was duped into signing a contract that was ripping him off and now he wants out of it.

The bloodhounds at TMZ.com have it:

Overeem filed a lawsuit against his Netherlands-based management team -- claiming they duped him into signing the worst MMA contract ever ... and then tried to book him into high profile fights when he wasn't healthy enough to perform.

According to the lawsuit, filed in L.A. County Superior Court, Overeem stupidly agreed to give his managers 35% of his pre-tax income in exchange for their services -- but the managers failed him miserably.

Overeem claims the managers have refused to pay him more than $151,000 in earnings -- including a bigtime bonus he was supposed to rake in when he signed with the UFC.

The timing of this couldn't be any worse for the former Strikeforce heavyweight champion. He'll make his debut with the world's largest fight promotion when he takes on Brock Lesnar at UFC 141 on Dec. 30 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

And he'll do so with a major contract dispute hanging over his head.

Trouble has been brewing for some time, though, dating back to when the UFC had a well publicized spat with Golden Glory that resulted in the release of all its fighters from every Zuffa promotion. Shortly after, Overeem announced a split with the following statement:

"I would like to make a statement regarding the recent news of the separation from my long-time management Golden Glory. As with any relationship, there are good times and bad times - you have your common ground and your differences. As with any relationship, you have trust. When differences lead to a breach of trust, there's no turning back and no way to continue a positive, working relationship. I don't air my dirty laundry. I would appreciate the respect regarding my privacy to not disclose any further details on this matter. Again, I would like to thank team Golden Glory for all the years we worked together and wish them success for the future."

Everyone wants their piece of the pie and when Overeem had a lawyer go over the contract he signed with Golden Glory, he found out they were taking far more than they should have been.

And a little bit more on the side. Hence, the breach of trust.

Just over a month after announcing his split from his former team, "Demolition Man" revealed he has joined up with Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas to prepare for his match-up against Lesnar next month.

That's a strong camp but again, he'll have a contract dispute hovering over him while he attempt to remain focused for what will be one of the biggest fights of his career. A win will earn him a title shot against the winner of the Cain Velasquez vs. Junior dos Santos bout taking place this Sat., Nov. 12, 2011, at UFC on FOX 1.

In fact, Overeem will be in attendance, as he's scheduled to appear at the UFC 141 press conference just before the UFC on FOX 1 weigh-ins. Surely this situation with Golden Glory will come up then and we'll get a few more answers to some pressing questions.

Anyone think this is too much of a distraction and it will affect Overeem's performance come fight night?