UFC 141: 10 Things We Learned About Alistair Overeem

If you didn't see UFC 141 Saturday night, then you truly missed one of the most historic one-sided beatdowns in MMA heavyweight history.

Alistair Overeem kicked Brock Lesnar into retirement, literally.

The Dutchman's experience and world-class striking proved too much for a power wrestler searching for a glimmer of hope in the newly-stacked heavyweight division.

While many people believed Lesnar's takedowns and brute force would create space and allow him to touch-up one of the best heavyweights around, that was not the case.

Overeem was by far the superior fighter and deserves all the credit.

With that said, here are 10 things we learned about the No. 1 heavyweight contender.

10. He's Even Bigger on PPV

When I first found out who Alistair Overeem was about a year ago, I thought he was one big dude.

After I found out he would be fighting Brock Lesnar at UFC 141, I compared the two and realized this guy might even be bigger than I initially thought.

Well, after seeing him weigh in on Thursday, I felt compelled to call him the biggest human being on the face of the planet.

But after seeing him tower over the cage in the Octagon Saturday night, I'm going to say Overeem is the scariest thing you could ever run into during a riot. He may actually be a militarized weapon whose only mission is to kick ass.  You know, like a universal soldier, or some futuristic robot with rocket launches for shoulders who fights Jean-Claude Van Damme for three hours straight.

Seriously, how big is this guy?

I know those steroid accusations are probably false, but I want what he's having.  Maybe the remedy is moving to Europe, training there, fighting in Japan and living in obscurity from American culture.

Eh, I'll take my chances staying here, eating fast food and watching football on Sundays.

No. 9: He Keeps His Promises

Alistair Overeem predicted he'd finish his fight against Brock Lesnar via TKO/KO within the first two rounds.

Wait.  You're telling me this guy personally guaranteed to finish one of the toughest heavyweights in the world within the first 5-10 minutes of the fight?  That's pretty damn ballsy.

And not only did Overeem's declaration reign true Saturday night at UFC 141, but his promise to the fans was kept.  Despite the magnitude of the event, the UFC figure he was facing and it being his Octagon debut and all, his promise was kept.

Kudos, Overeem.

By the way, did you know people still use Magic Eight balls?

No. 8: His PPV Notoriety Is Bound To Grow

The UFC promoted the hell out of UFC 141, and rightfully so.

Brock Lesnar vs. Alistair Overeem was one of the biggest fights in UFC history, and not just based on their size.

Lesnar was looking for a road back into heavyweight championship contention, and Overeem was looking to prove that his achievements overseas could translate onto American soil.

Both guys seemed ready to potentially provide the fight of the year, for better or worse.  Unfortunately, Lesnar left his will to win backstage as Overeem's legs did the work.

With a huge PPV win under his belt, and being the guy that retired Brock Lesnar, Overeem's popularity heading into the future is only going to increase.

While the loss of Lesnar could prove detrimental to the UFC's PPV ratings in the short-term, Overeem has the potential to carry the heavyweight division's name for the next few years.

No. 7: Taking Him Down Is Easier Said Than Done

I don't know if Brock Lesnar really game-planned to take Alistair Overeem down, or just winged it come fight night, but either way it didn't work.

Overeem's ability to kick plays a major role into how fighters try to take him down, or for that matter, decide to abandon that strategy. 

It that whenever Lesnar wanted to clinch with Overeem or implement a takedown, Overeem was right there with a body kick, pushing his opponent back.

Toss that one up to excellent striking and finding a range early.

With all the hoopla surrounding this fight, Lesnar's camp and Lesnar himself declared Overeem a pushover in the wrestling/ground department.

But honestly, does it really matter when you yourself can't even lay a hand on this guy?

It doesn't.  And for Lesnar, as well as Overeem, wrestling and takedowns played no role toward the outcome of the fight.

No. 6: He's Not Afraid to Mix It Up

This picture does not feature Brock Lesnar, but if Alistair Overeem decided to punch his way to a victory instead of kicking, it very well could be.

Saturday night showcased Overeem's willingness to stand and bang with even the most intimidating of fighters. His striking abilities and enormous build help him gauge his opponent's reach, intentions and overall potential throughout the fight.

And even while facing a dynamic fighter like Lesnar, Overeem seemed comfortable to tangle with a powerful wrestler.  His hands served as an insurance policy while his legs created damage.

At no point did that fight look stagnant, by any party.  But Overeem's willingness to stand in the pocket and test his opponent's skill worked to his advantage.

No. 5: Pressure Is Not a Concern

Apparently Europeans thrive under pressure.

Tony Parker does it, Alexander Ovechkin does it and now Alistair Overeem does it.

Despite the bright lights of the last UFC PPV of 201—and a Brock Lesnar return at that—Overeem performed to a high standard only reserved for champions.

His interviews were insightful.  He didn't refrain from showing confidence.  He played right into the fans' hands and did everything he needed to do, especially win the fight.

If Saturday night was any indication as to how Overeem handles himself in the entirety of the MMA world, he should have no trouble adapting to the America's fastest growing sport.

No. 4: Fans Will Learn To Love Him

Even after his victory over arguably the most recognizable fighter in the UFC, people are still going to have to learn who Alistair Overeem is.

Despite his heralded background in Pride, K-1 and Strikeforce, even the most hardcore MMA fans don't know a lot about the No. 1 heavyweight contender.

All in all, Overeem was practically the head honcho over in Japan, during his Pride days.  He was easily the most popular fighter in the sport—with the size and talent to maintain that sometimes stressful label.

Heading into the next year or so, UFC fans are going to grow more fond of Overeem by each PPV fight.  And if he proves victorious over Junior dos Santos, that will make it much easier for the big guy to get some well-deserved media attention.

No. 3: His Entrance Music Is the Worst

The only way Alistair Overeem's entrance at UFC 141 could of been worse is if he stumbled out of the back with his infamous Thor hammer.

Luckily, that didn't happen.  But the crappy techno music he's grown accustomed to from his days in Pride did filter its way through my TV speakers in a convincing fashion.

Hey, at least I wasn't ringside.

If Overeem wants to reach stardom at this level, dropping the Asian-style light show might be the first step.

Don't get me wrong.  It didn't look like it affected him in the cage, but first impressions last forever.

No. 2: His Kickboxing Is No Joke

The picture says it all.  Brock Lesnar simply wasn't ready for Alistair Overeem's kickboxing.

And if this is a sign of things to come, Overeem's reign in the UFC heavyweight division could be on the fast track to Junior dos Santos' front door.

The fact of the matter is that the UFC has never really seen a dynamic heavyweight with the capabilities that the Dutchman brings to the table.  He can throw high knees, flying knees, rib kicks, leg kicks and more.

And that's not saying he can't punch.  Because he's pretty damn good at that, too.

Whichever heavyweight decides to fight Overeem in the future, he'll have to pick his own poison.  And considering most heavyweights who stand and bang only throw bombs and mediocre jabs, the former-Strikeforce champion should have a field day.

Sorry, Brock.  That K-1 Championship isn't for nothing.

No. 1: He's Ready To Be Champion

To be honest with you, I had major doubts about Alistair Overeem coming over to the UFC and debuting against Brock Lesnar.

I wanted Lesnar to win, thought the UFC needed him to win and figured Overeem would be just another one of those European fighters who couldn't hack it.

But the more I look at this fight—and more importantly the retirement of Lesnar—I can't help to feel that Overeem's victory was more prominent than a Lesnar comeback.

He's one of the most talented, decorated and popular fighters in the world.  For the UFC not to have Overeem at full strength, meaning the prime of his career, would be an absolute travesty.

With that said, alongside the fashion in which he took care of business at UFC 141, I truly believe Overeem is ready to capture UFC gold.

His eventual bout with heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos will no doubt display some of the best boxing and kickboxing around.  But with his size and reach, Overeem should be able to make history and obtain his fourth MMA championship.