Alistair Overeem Showcases the Scars of Battle in a Lengthy Career

Alistair Overeem is one of the few fighters who has won MMA bouts in four different decades. The Dutchman entered his first fight as a teenager in the late 90s and continues to compete even today. Over his lengthy career, ‘The Demolition Man’ has dished out a load of punishment and taken an equal amount of beatings too. 

Given the brutal nature of combat sports, fighters wear scars of battles for life. Alistair Overeem is no different and bears the marks of years of fights on his face. This usually isn’t visible at his appearances at faceoffs or weigh-ins. However, on a closer look, they are prominent. 

A glance at his face can make fans under the term ‘grizzled veteran.’

The space under Overeem’s left eye is lined with cuts. The same holds for the skin around his left cheekbone and near his right eye. A recent injury that fans may remember came three fights ago. This was when Jairzinho Rozenstruik brutalized Overeem in the dying seconds of their fight to claim a shock victory. 

Besides MMA, ‘The Demolition Man’ competed in kickboxing, which only added to the wear and tear on his body. Nevertheless, he still fights at an elite level and doesn’t give enthusiasts the impression that he is desperately prolonging MMA career to make a quick buck.

Alistair Overeem is still going strong

The Dutch fighter is proving to be adept at fending off challenges from fighters a decade younger than him. He is on a two-fight win streak and is aiming to progress to a heavyweight title fight soon.

Overeem has an iron jaw and has proved himself as one of the smartest fighters. He backs himself to absorb punishment and store his energy. The strategy helps him exhaust his opponent and make a swift comeback. 

Read: “If I Take a Break It’s Gonna Be Done”- Alistair Overeem Opens Up After Recent Victory

As the fighter comes up against higher-ranked foes, the scars on his face will increase manifold. However, they will be worth it if he claims his end-goal and lifts the UFC heavyweight championship before calling it a day. 

What do you make of Alistair Overeem’s “face of a warrior?”