Alistair Overeem's 10 Greatest Moments

After years of debate, rumors and stories, Alistair Overeem will finally take part in his first UFC bout on December 30th at UFC 141 against Brock Lesnar.

However, there have been many things Overeem had to accomplish over the course of his career to get where he is today.

Like any fighter, Overeem's had his fair share of ups and downs as he's fought in many organizations throughout his years in MMA.

From Pride to Strikeforce to Dream and back to Strikeforce, Overeem has finally reached the highest stage of his fighting career.

So, taking a look back on his career, the following slides display the 10 greatest moments of Overeem's career.

Wins K-1 World Grand Prix Championship

A little over one year ago, Alistair Overeem found himself on a dead sprint through the K-1 World Grand Prix Finals, defeating the likes of Ben Edwards, Tyrone Spong and Gokhan Soki.

Overeem then found himself in the finals as he was set to square off with Peter Aerts for a chance at the crown.

Fortunately for Overeem, it didn't take long as he would knock out Aerts in the very first round, capping off an impressive tournament run.

Overeem was declared the 2010 K-1 World Grand Prix Champion.

Defeated Vitor Belfort Twice

It was the opening round of the 2005 Pride Grand Prix Championship as Overeem took the Octagon against highly dangerous Vitor Belfort.

It was nearly 10 minutes into Round 1 when Belfort found himself in an unwanted position as he was submitted via guillotine choke.

But, it was just a little over a year later when the two would cross paths once more at Strikeforce: Revenge.

While Overeem failed to finish Belfort for a second time, he was still declared victorious by unanimous decision.

Won Strikeforce Heavyweight Title

Overeem had lost four of his last five bouts and was on the worst stretch of his mixed martial arts career leading up to his fight with Paul Buentello at a Strikeforce event in November of 2007.

However, Overeem was still granted the opportunity to fight Buentello as the winner would capture the inaugural heavyweight title.

It was the second round of action when Overeem began to pummel his opponent, landing strikes and knees to nearly every part of Buentello's body.

At 3:42 of Round 2, Overeem was declared the champion via submission by knees to the body.

Reigns Supreme over Fabricio Werdum

Overeem hadn't lost a mixed martial arts bout since September of 2007 leading up to his fight with Fabricio Werdum at a Strikeforce event earlier this year.

It was one of the most anticipated bouts of the entire year as action began in Dallas, Texas.

While Werdum would put up every last effort in attempts to finish off his opponent, Overeem held strong, taking the fight to the judges' score cards and ultimately a unanimous decision victory.

Many believe this was the fight that intrigued the UFC to sign him.

Signs with the UFC

After spending years fighting in different organizations and establishing himself as one of the best fighters in the world, Overeem made the transition to the highest stage in mixed martial arts.

On September 6th, 2011, Overeem signed with the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Overeem is set to take on arguably the toughest matchup in his mixed martial arts career when he squares off with Brock Lesnar at UFC 141.

Signing with the UFC is arguably the biggest moment of Overeem's career.

Throttles Brett Rogers

Despite being defeated by Fedor Emelianenko at Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Rogers, Brett Rogers earned a title shot against Overeem in his very next fight.

At the time, Rogers was considered to be one of the most dangerous fighters in the world.

However, Overeem proved that to be wrong, as he dismantled Rogers throughout the first few minutes of Round 1.

After taking Rogers down and viciously grounding and pounding him, the referee called a stop to the fight at 3:40 of the first round.

Joins Xtreme Couture

For the majority of his mixed martial arts career, Alistair Overeem trained overseas at a gym referred to as Golden Glory.

However, after joining forces with the UFC, Overeem made the transition to the United States where he began his training with Xtreme Couture.

Overeem is now stationed in Las Vegas, Nevada and is joined by the likes of Randy Couture, Forrest Griffin, Ryan Bader and many others.

Smart move on Overeem's part.

Won Dream Heavyweight Title

After having gone nine consecutive fights without a loss, Alistair Overeem was set to square off with Todd Duffee at Dynamite!! 2010.

Overeem and Duffee would be squaring off for a chance to become the Dream Heavyweight champion as the title was up for grabs.

Unfortunately for Duffee, it took Overeem only 19 seconds to be declared the new Dream Champion as he dropped his opponent with various knees and strikes.

Upsets Badr Hari

It was December 31st, 2011, when Alistair Overeem was considered the underdog heading into his bout with Badr Hari at Dymanite!! 2008.

At the time, Badr was considered to be arguably the best kickboxer in the world.

But, Badr's fame wasn't a factor in the outcome of their bout as Overeem came out swinging for the fences early and often.

At 2:07 of the very first round, Overeem connected on a huge right hook that allowed him to defeat one of the world's best.

UFC 141

Regardless of the outcome against Brock Lesnar at UFC 141, after years and years of discussion, Alistair Overeem finally made the transition to the UFC.

Meaning, not only can Overeem compete at the highest level of MMA, but he'll be remembered for it as well.

Overeem certainly has an accomplished resume from his years of fighting, but none would come bigger than earning a title shot at the UFC Heavyweight Championship.

UFC 141 will be the biggest moment of Overeem's career.

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