Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Heavyweight number one contender, Alistair Overeem, is handing over the keys to his career while he battles Golden Glory, his former representatives and Dutch-based fight camp, in court over (what else?) money.
"The Reem" will join a handful of Blackzilians, including former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Rashad Evans, under the umbrella of Authentic Sports Management (ASM), who today revealed Overeem as their latest acquisition.
"Demolition Man" breaks down the decision in today's official release:
"With [ASM], I saw right away that Glenn Robinson has a system in place that allows the fighter to focus on training only, which is so important as I prepare for my UFC heavyweight title fight against Junior Dos Santos," said Overeem. "ASM has a team of experts to help you grow as an athlete, from Glenn working hands-on as management to Jen Wenk handling my PR and Karen Gough running marketing, a full-time nutritionist, a finance and legal department - you name it they have it. After meeting with ASM, I was convinced that they can make me the new UFC world champion."
In addition, ASM will handle all of Overeem's "marketing, public relations and sponsorship" and assist the UFC import as he moves forward in his "training preparation, general business affairs and career aspirations."
One of those "career aspirations" is to become UFC Heavyweight Champion, which he's hoping to do by defeating Junior dos Santos at the upcoming UFC 146 pay-per-view (PPV) event on May 26 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Overeem has been crushing the competition for years now, compiling 11 wins in 12 fights (one no contest) since 2007. He made a successful debut with the UFC last December by stopping (and retiring) Brock Lesnar in the first round by way of technical knockout (TKO) using his vaunted K-1 level striking.
Unfortunately, much of the talk surrounding "Demolition Man's" career hasn't been on his achievements, rather his messy break-up with Golden Glory and the ensuing litigation.
Anyone think his new management firm can help him overcome that distraction for what is undoubtedly the biggest fight of his mixed martial arts (MMA) career?
Time will tell.
Get the latest gear
