Alistair Overeem calls for Derrick Lewis as next opponent
Alistar “The Reem” Overeem made a major statement that he’s back in the heavyweight division with his win at UFC Beijing. Overeem defeated Sergey Pavlovich by TKO in the first-round to put an end to his two-fight losing streak. The win was also Overeem’s first since joining Team Elevation in Colorado where he joined his former opponent Curtis Blaydes.
Following his win Overeem spoke to the media about what could potentially be next for him and he included a possible rematch with Francis Ngannou, who was in the main event at UFC Beijing and defeated Curtis Blaydes in 44 seconds of the first round. In his post-fight press conference, Overeem said that he believes a fight with Ngannou would be much different in the rematch. Back at UFC 218, Ngannou finished Overeem with a vicious knockout that skyrocketed him up to the top of the heavyweight division where he would get a title shot against former champion Stipe Miocic but come up short at UFC 220.
Now that Overeem is back in the win column he has set his sights on Ngannou and others who sit atop of the heavyweight division and most recently called out former title challenger Derrick Lewis.
I'm hearing you guys want to see a technician versus a brawler. What do you say Hot Balls?
— Alistair Overeem (@Alistairovereem) November 26, 2018
Derrick Lewis most recently lost to Daniel Cormier in a heavyweight title fight at UFC 230 after having one of the most impressive comeback wins over Alexander Volkov at UFC 229. Lewis has not responded to the challenge from Overeem but the matchmaking does make quite a bit of sense if the UFC wanted to go in that direction.
A fight between Overeem and Lewis would help establish who is still at the top of the heavyweight division while there are several other fighters clustered at the top. A rematch with Ngannou would also make sense for both sides as Overeem could look for redemption while Ngannou could show he’s capable of once again beating another opponent twice.
The UFC has plenty to figure out in the heavyweight division with the potential returns of former champions Brock Lesnar and Cain Velasquez. While former champion Stipe Miocic is calling for a rematch with the current champion Daniel Cormier, but it appears Alistair Overeem is willing to find his next opponent on his own.
