UFC Fight Night Overeem vs Arlovski: Dan Hardy previews the heavyweight clash between current team-mates

The city of Rotterdam plays host to the UFC Octagon this weekend and one of the Netherlands’ most accomplished fighters will be topping the bill. Alistair Overeem has been a key representative of Dutch martial arts for a number of years. Combat sports fans will remember his stints competing in kickboxing, submission wrestling and other MMA promotions. His experience is second to none in the heavyweight division, and that’s what makes this bout so fascinating. The man standing across the Octagon, Andrei Arlovski, is equally deserving of that veteran status, being a former UFC champion.

Both of these fighters have been around the game a long time and it’s amazing that their paths haven’t crossed before. For Overeem, a good portion of his career was spent on the Japanese circuit, where he built somewhat of a cult following. Around this time, his opponent, Andrei Arlovski, was beating Tim Silvia at UFC 51 back in February 2005 to claim the UFC’s most prized belt. Although they have managed to avoid facing each other in the arena, in recent years Overeem has made the move to New Mexico and joined the same team as Arlovski.

This obviously makes the situation awkward, as they have the same coaches and training partners. Something that has become a bit of an issue in the build up to this is the fact that the head coaches have decided to work with Arlovski, as he is the longer-serving member of the squad. Overeem seems unfazed though and despite deciding to stay at the same gym, he has been working with other trainers. It must still be unusual though to think about looking across at your adversary and seeing your corner team standing behind him.

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At the top level of the sport, the individual aspect becomes more prevalent. After all, there can only be one UFC world champion, and both of these gentlemen would like that belt around their waist. On lower level shows, friends and team mates can avoid these match-ups but when you get to the top you are either number one or you aren’t. If one of these athletes is to prove that they are championship quality then they will have to go through each other.

It doesn’t seem to bother Overeem, but Arlovski is taking this far more seriously. The word in the gym is that Overeem requested this bout, which has divided the team and caused all kinds of awkwardness. Not only for the two fighters involved, and their coaches, but also other fighters in the gym, who are now watching over their shoulder for their own training partners. In interviews they are all being very guarded about the whole situation, particularly Donald Cerrone, who is convinced he knows how the fight will play out, but refuses to give anything away.

Having broken down this fight several times over the past couple of weeks, I feel like I know the possibilities rather well. But we can’t forget that this is MMA and often the unexpected happens. It is clear that Arlovski is emotionally involved and seems determined to make a statement. Being called out by a team mate must be infuriating and to see how it has effected the team, it’s no wonder that Andrei is looking to get some payback on the night.

Overeem on the other hand is his usual relaxed self and I think this will give him the advantage in the fight. I expect Arlovski to come out guns blazing, firing from the hip and trying to get this fight finished early. This game plan could work out perfectly but the risk factor is that he has to go through Overeem’s striking range to land his own shots and Alistair is a smart and patient fighter.

If Arlovski’s attack is too reckless he will pay dearly, handing the victory to a sharp counter-striker like Overeem. His fast hands and aggressive nature could work out though, if his team can hold him back just enough to pick his moment. Both men have fight-ending power. Both have a wealth of experience, and both have a lot to lose in this bout, for the winner will likely move on to face the heavyweight champion.

There is plenty more on the card to whet your appetite for the main event, including another heavyweight clash in the co-main as seven-foot Stefan Struve takes on Antonia ‘Bigfoot’ Silva. We also have other favourites such as Gunnar Nelson, Neil Seery and Reza Madadi on the card, along with rising hopefuls such as Dutch kickboxing stand-out, Germaine de Randamie, and British prospect, Leon Edwards.

Watch UFC Fight Night: Overeem vs. Arlovski on BT Sport from 7pm BST on Sunday, or catch the Prelims from 5pm BST on the BT Sport app/BT Sport Extra 3, and the Early Prelims from 3:30pm BST on UFC Fight Pass