Alistair Overeem and 4 UFC Fighters Most in Need of a Victory

All fighters age. Sometimes, even those in their prime lose a step or are unable to compete with today’s blend of diverse mixed martial artists. In fact, the following men—Alistair Overeem, Dan Henderson, Frank Mir, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and Mauricio “Shogun” Rua—represent a group of fighters who at multiple points experienced greatness in the forms of championship titles and numerous other accolades.

However, in their last four bouts, the fighters in question collectively hold a record of 4-16. Their wide array of losses not only jeopardizes their ranking but their possible standing in the UFC as well. 

Alistair Overeem

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Alistair Overeem at 2012 on the Gadget Show

Alistair Overeem was one of the most hyped mixed martial arts stars to enter the UFC in 2011. Prior to his Octagon debut, the Dutchman won world championships in a variety of organizations, including Strikeforce, Dream and K-1. After his dismantling of former heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar at UFC 141, it seemed as if Overeem was set to acquire yet another world title.

However, after dominating his next opponent in Antonio Silva for two rounds at UFC 156, Overeem ran out of steam in the third round and was subsequently knocked out. He then went on to lose to Travis Browne at UFC Fight Night 26 via knockout as well.

Overeem returned to his winning ways against a dangerous and former heavyweight champion in Frank Mir at UFC 169 but then recently fell again to Ben Rothwell at UFC Fight Night 50.

The Reem is 1-3 in his last four fights with the UFC and has lost them in dramatic fashion, being knocked out in each one of them. After his most recent loss to Rothwell, UFC President Dana White stated that he wouldn’t cut the multiple-time world champion.

However, Overeem is scheduled to face Stefan Struve at UFC on Fox 13 later this year. If the 34-year-old wishes to remain relevant among the heavyweight division, a victory over Struve is essential. At the same time, on December 13, Overeem will most likely be fighting for much more than just mere relevancy. The hulking heavyweight will be fighting to regain the champion-esque mystique that he once possessed when he entered the UFC. 

Dan Henderson

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Dan Henderson at UFC 161

Dan Henderson is a multiple-time world champion. He is decorated with world championships from Pride Fighting Championships and Strikeforce and has beaten a who’s who of mixed martial artists in Mauricio “Shogun” Rua (twice), Fedor Emelianenko, Rafael Calvacante, Michael Bisping, Wanderlei Silva, Vitor Belfort, Renzo Gracie and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira.

Nevertheless, Henderson is 1-4 in his last five fights. His most recent loss came at the hands of undefeated light heavyweight phenom Daniel Cormier. Henderson was literally tossed around for the majority of the fight and eventually submitted in the third round. 

Following the bout, even at 44 years old, Henderson stated that he had no plans of retiring. Per Dana Becker of Fightline.com, Henderson stated: "I’m not done yet. I am still gonna compete. I love this sport and love the support. I will continue until I can’t...I am disappointed in my performance. My plan was to beat ‘DC’. I have to figure out and move forward."

Another loss may force the UFC’s hand in releasing the California native. Therefore, irrespective of his opponent, a Henderson victory is more than imperative in his next outing.

Frank Mir

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Frank Mir at UFC 111

Frank Mir is a former heavyweight and former interim heavyweight champion. He is the first and only individual to knock out and submit MMA legend Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira. Mir’s accolades are vast, and his contributions to the world of mixed martial arts are invaluable.

However, Mir hasn’t won a fight since 2011. He’s 0-4 in his last four bouts and has seen a declining skill set. Despite the longest losing streak of Mir’s career, he is not set on retirement as of yet. According to Aaron Portier of SciFighting.com, Mir stated:

"

I really don’t know. I’m kind of just taking time off and weighing that out. That’s a decision that me and my family are still trying to—we haven’t come to a conclusive idea yet.

"

Whether or not Mir returns to the Octagon, the No. 13-ranked heavyweight possesses the respect of the MMA world and will most likely find himself a part of the UFC Hall of Fame when his career is over.

Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira

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Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira at the UFC 73 press conference

Antonio Rodrigo Nogeira is a bona fide mixed martial arts legend. He has won heavyweight titles in Pride Fighting Championships and the UFC. He has fought and beaten former world champions in Randy Couture, Tim Sylvia, Josh Barnett, Mirko Filipovic, Dan Henderson and Mark Coleman. Nogueira’s legacy and admission into the UFC Hall of Fame are all but cemented.

However, even though he’s been finished by knockout or submission in his last five losses, the 38-year-old refuses to retire...at least until 2015. According to Jessica Portasio of AgFight.com (h/t MMA Fighting.com), Nogueira exclaimed:

"

I know I won’t fight forever. I’m focused on my gym’s business now. It’s a beautiful work, we have 9,000 students, 32 gyms. … I plan to end my career by the end of the next year, I believe. One more year. It’s until the point my body can handle. So many injuries, I’m dedicating to other things now. I will decide when the time comes. I have two more fights in my contract, and then I’ll stop (fighting).

"

Since Nogueira’s loss to Frank Mir in 2008, his record has sported more wins than losses at 3-5. Given that there are two more fights left on Minotauro’s contract, ending his career on a high note with a couple of more victories would be ideal.

Mauricio "Shogun" Rua

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Mauricio Rua at UFC Fight Night 26 weigh-ins

Mauricio “Shogun” Rua is expected to face Jimi Manuwa at UFC Fight Night 56. The former two-time world champion has fallen completely out of title contention due to his erratic win-loss record stemming from 2011. In fact, Rua is not listed in the UFC's pound-for-pound Top 15. 

Since losing the light heavyweight title to Jon Jones, Rua has put up quite the checkered record at 3-5 in his last eight fights. His losses have become far more consistent than his wins. In addition, Shogun has taken a considerable amount of damage in some of his most recent fights, including a broken nose at the hands of Dan Henderson at UFC Fight Night 38.

In light of the punishment that the Brazilian has suffered as of late, his family has encouraged him to retire. According to Agora e Tarde (h/t Yahoo Sports), Rua stated:

"

Every month, my wife and my mother meet and try to make me stop [fighting], but I tell them that’s what I love to do. My mother asks me, 'You really have to fight?’ And I say that’s my job, mom...I do this for 13 years.

"

Though only 32 years old, if Rua loses to Manuwa on November 8, he will be 3-6 in his last nine fights and run the risk of being let go by the UFC.