Report: Overeem Released by Strikeforce

[keithlewis]

Strikeforce heavyweight champion Alistair Overeem has reportedly been released from his Strikeforce contract.

HDNet's Ron Kruck broke the news on Friday's edition of “Inside MMA,” and the cable network simultaneously issued a release on the matter. According to HDNet, Strikeforce exercised its contractual option to release Overeem with one fight still remaining on his current deal.

After besting Fabricio Werdum in the first round of Strikeforce's heavyweight grand prix in June, Overeem recently announced his withdrawal from the tournament due to a toe injury. According to the HDNet report, however, Overeem has apparently been dealing with additional health issues, including an injured rib and elbow.

Overeem has not lost since he suffered a 2007 defeat to Sergei Kharitonov in the defunct K-1 Heroes promotion. Save for a lackluster performance against Werdum, “The Demolition Man” has looked unstoppable as of late.

In addition to holding Strikeforce's heavyweight title, the Dutchman also captured both the Dream championship and the K-1 World Grand Prix tournament, becoming the first man to ever hold those titles simultaneously. The former Pride Fighting Championships standout is next scheduled to fight at the upcoming United Glory event in October.