At UFC 141, Alistair Overeem showcased to the world why he was called ‘The Demolition Man’ when he knocked out the heavyweight boogeyman Brock Lesnar in the very first round to assert his dominance. Defeating Lesnar by a knockout in the first round made Overeem one of the most feared fighters inside the Octagon. His extraordinary muscular physique even while compared to athletes who rely on peak physical condition invoked intrigue and discussion.’However, after leaving MMA in 2021, Overeem’s physique has deteriorated and Joe Rogan expressed his bafflement by it.
While having a conversation with mixed martial artists John Rallo, Matt Serra, and Din Thomas on “JRE MMA Show #163”, Rogan was head over heels for Alistair Overeem’s insane physique transformation after retiring from MMA. Want to know what the multi-million dollar podcaster said about the fighter? Let’s find out.
Joe Rogan notes Alistair Overeem’s physique transformation over the years
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The heavyweight fighter made his name in Pride FC when UFC was just starting to take baby steps toward their prominence. After becoming the StrikeForce champion, it was time for ‘The Demolition Man’ to demolish his opponents under the UFC banner. His first victim was former heavyweight champ, Brock Lesnar. Well, standing at six feet five inches tall, Overeem was extremely well-built for MMA. His striking prowess and his experience in the Octagon only added to his intimidating aura.
However, after a tremendous 47-19-1 fighting record, Overeem parted ways with the world of MMA. The 44-year-old now embraces a plant-based diet and follows a personal health philosophy in his post-retirement life. This change has baffled the multi-million dollar podcaster, Joe Rogan. While having a conversation about the heavyweight division, Rogan emphasized how leaving combat sports has affected Overeem’s physique, “He’s on a vegan diet, and he’s all spiritual, really. Yeah, Alistair’s like, real thin. He’s thinner than he was when he was fighting,” said Rogan.
He further added, “That’s a weird picture. It’s hard to tell from that picture. He’s always going to be a big guy, you know. He’s a massive man. But you know, when he fought Brock Lesnar, he was just a freak of science. Yeah, he was the freakiest of all freaks. If you just let that dude juice it up like that, back in the day—oh, he was the most dangerous. ‘Cause those kickboxing skills were top-notch.”
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Many people inside the community accused the fighter of using substances to maintain his overly muscular physique. Suspicions rang true when he later tested positive for a banned substance after an initial victory over Badr Hari in 2022. His drastic weight transformation may seem to be unhealthy for many, but according to him, it saved his life. How? Let’s find out.
Alistair Overeem reveals placing priority on longevity has improved his life
Joe͏ Rogan expressed his bemusement about the former UFC fighter’s physique. The͏ multi͏-m͏i͏llion-dol͏lar podcaster ͏even stated that this might have͏ harsh repercussions on Alistar Overeem͏’s p͏h͏ysique and could͏ potentially cause harm because of the s͏udden wei͏ght ͏cut. However͏, ͏accordin͏g to Overeem, he has never f͏elt͏ healthie͏r͏ than he͏ d͏oes now.
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While having a conversation with the MMA Hour podcast back in 2023, Overeem confessed that he is much happier and healthier now than in his entire life, “I am the healthiest I’ve ever been.I’m like 210, 220 [pounds]. If you’re not going to fight, why would you walk [around heavier]? I mean, I still look good. I’ve got a six-pack. I’m still strong. I can still kick a**. But yeah, why would I have another, what is it, 20 or 30 pounds of weight? Because then you have to eat, you have to lift heavy, you have to do the things to maintain. And once I made the decision [to be] done [with fighting], all of everything becomes [about] longevity.”
The 47-19-1 fighter emphasized that he would like to have longevity rather than please other people through his looks. Regardless, what are your thoughts on Joe Rogan’s confession? State your opinions in the comments below.
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