Alistair Overeem: 'I don't need a warm-up fight, I'm ready for a UFC title shot'

Put that oil can away, Dorothy, the "Demolition Man" isn't rusty.

Former Strikeforce Heavyweight Champion Alistair Overeem is counting down the days until he can get his mixed martial arts (MMA) license reinstated with the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC), after it was denied in the wake of a failed drug test back in May.

See how it all unfolded right here.

"The Reem" is currently riding the pine until at least December, which would put his layoff around the 12-month mark, having last competed at UFC 141 in Las Vegas, Nevada, defeating Brock Lesnar to establish himself as the division number one contender.

Upon his return, Overeem is confident he can compete at the sport's highest level, no matter how inactive he's been over the past year -- even if it means jumping right into a title fight against reigning division champion Junior dos Santos.

"This time off is perfect. After this, I have a full four years of dedication (to fighting). For me it doesn't matter when I fight. I don't need to have a warm-up fight. I'm gonna leave that up to the gentlemen of the UFC to decide. If they want me to go for the title, I'm ready for that ... I'm gonna lay low and fight whoever they put in front of me. I'm gonna get my hands on [Dos Santos] and when I do, he's all mine."

Hear more from Overeem (via MMA Weekly) on his return, after the jump.

For more on Alistair Overeem's eventual return to the Octagon click here.