Overeem To Face Fedor: Over-Juiced, Overrated, and Out of His Mind

Alistair Overeem, otherwise known as the "Rapidly Expanding Man," has challenged Fedor Emelianenko to face him in an MMA event, preferably to take place in April of 2010. Overeem informed the press of his desire during an interview following his victory over James Thompson via guillotine.

When asked where Alistair would prefer to fight Fedor, he flatly answered, "Preferably in DREAM but Strikeforce if necessary." This comes as no surprise. Questions regarding his new physique are already causing quite a bit of controversy in MMA and K-1 circles. Answers such as the one he provided to that query only add fuel to an already hot fire.

The issue at hand is whether or not Overeem uses HGH and/or steroids. The fact is that out of around 30 fights, Alistair has fought in the United States only around three to four times. He has spent the majority of his career fighting in Japan.

Japan has extremely lax doping regulations. They might take a fight away from you (such as Nick Diaz when he defeated Gomi) for smoking a joint, but you can shoot all the juice you want without penalty.

Where is the evidence? Certainly, while being somewhat circumstantial, there is some solid evidence that indicates an abuse of HGH, if not a variety of drugs.

In late 2007, Overeem was fighting at 205 lbs. He was always tall and a bit lanky. Always ripped, as well, due to his excessive cardio training. While it is not impossible to gain 50lbs of muscle in two-and-a-half years, it certainly is not possible while training and fighting. How does one train cardio everyday and still gain so much mass?

The NBA tries it all the time, but it never works. Certainly, the league has a lot more cash to toss at the problem. If the NBA cannot put 20 lbs. of muscle on a 7'0" center in five years, then how can Overeem add 50 lbs. of muscle in half that amount of time? 

Seriously, during his last fight vs. James Thompson, he literally dwarfed James. James is 6'4" and weighs around 290 lbs. Despite James' massive frame (his nickname is "The Colossus"), he looked small in comparison.

So is there any proof that Alistair is juicing? No. Overeem has passed every steroid test given him (all in the United States). While this may seem to exonerate him, it is widely known that steroid tests and HGH tests can be circumvented rather easily. The testing done at MMA events is very basic.

It is not the Olympics and it is not a random test. Therefore, not only is the test weak, but anyone wishing to get around it has plenty of time to prepare.

The fact that Josh Barnett recently tested positive for steroids has no bearing on this case. Barnett may have used different drugs and not prepared himself for the test. In fact, given the ease in which one may beat the tests involved, it leads a person to wonder just how dumb Barnett really is.

To judge someone without proof is the wrong thing to do. To believe in the concept of "innocent until proven guilty" is a noble American trait. Given this notion, it is hard to accuse Overeem of wrongdoing without some kind of evidence other than just his massive increase in size and strength.

The fact is that such evidence exists—and it is written all over Alistair's face.

The condition is known as Acromegalia; and it is clear that Overeem has been affected by it. What is acromegalia?

Acromegalia or Acromegaly (from Greek akros "extreme" or "extremities" and megalos "large"—extremities enlargement) is a syndrome that results when the pituitary gland produces or receives excess quantities of growth hormone (hGH)*. An individual with this condition suffers from a number of effects, which include some or all of the following symptoms:

1. Thickening of the skin.

2. Enlargement of body parts such as feet, hands, ears, nose, and lips. This is also often also associated with Gigantism, a natural condition resulting from overactive pituitary gland.

3. Thicker, deeper voice, and the slowing of speech.

4. Ocular distention.

5. General growth of skull.

6. Protruding eyebrows.

7. Teeth gaping.

8, Increase in jaw protrusion, often associated with another condition known as macroglossia. Macroglossia is basically a term used for the enlargement of the toungue.

9. Thickening of the neck (Many athletes regard a thick neck as a sign of juicing. The common belief is that if your neck is wider than your head, you have been juicing. This is obviously an incorrect generalization. The truth is that some people do acquire this condition. Some by cheating, some by lifting).

Has Overeem been affected by any of these conditions? Yes, absolutely.

The following interview took place following Alistair's victory over James Thompson at DREAM 12. Take a look at his face and neck. When you have finished, take a look at a picture of Overeem from two years ago. Decide for yourself.

What does any of this have to do with Fedor Emelianenko? Following his win over Thompson, Alistair, referring to himself in the third person (which he has not done before), discussed his desire to fight Fedor in April of 2010.

When asked why he wanted to fight at that time in particular, Overeem stated that due to previously scheduled MMA and K-1 events at the end of 2009, he simply would not have the time until April.

Should this be a matter of concern for Fedor? Yes and no. Yes it is a concern because no fighter wants to fight a cheater. The playing field should be level and Fedor knows it is not. He has watched Alistair for some time now, so surely he is well aware of what Overeem is or is not doing.

Either way, it does not worry Fedor. Why? The answer is simple. Fedor knows that no matter how huge, strong, fast, athletic, or durable a fighter might be, there is no way to train a chin.

Alistair can build all the muscles he desires. Cheating may be enough to put a guy like James down, but there is no way on Earth that he is going to sink a guillotine in on "The Last Emperor."

Fedor knows that Overeem has a questionable jaw. During a fight between them, it is likely that Fedor will see nothing else other than Alistair's weak chin. Fedor will hit that button and it will be over quickly.

A fan could study Overeem's K-1 striking, and see right away that he is not that hard to hit. Overeem leaves his face exposed far too much and it only takes one shot from Fedor. A stand up battle would probably prevail. Despite Overeem's ground skills, the last place Alistair wants to be is on the mat with Fedor.

Overeem has been KO'd more than five times in his career. It is apparent that Alistair is weak in that regard, and Fedor will waste no time in exploiting that weakness.

So why is Overeem overrated and out of his mind?

Truly it is difficult to say whether or not Alistair is currently overrated. He simply is not the same human being that fought two years ago (and prior). Allistair's record prior to 2008 really does not mean anything anymore.

There are other, smaller clues that show something is definitely amiss when it comes to Alistair. To begin with, if a person were to examine Overeem's record, one would discover that he suffered several losses in a row late in 2006-2007.

During that time, Alistair fought in the 205 lb. LHW division. 2008 arrives and suddenly Overeem is winning again. In fact, other than a no-contest vs. Cro-cop (Cro-cop found an excuse to get out of that beating), Alistair has not lost a fight since he moved up to 265 lbs. and entered the HW division. That is a 60 lb.-difference in two years.

Red flags can be found elsewhere, as well. While not a suspicious occurrence by itself, the fact is that Alistair has not fought a single match in a country that has anti-doping regulations since becoming a heavyweight. All but one of his fights took place in Japan, and naturally that is where he wants to fight Fedor.

Seriously, if a man grabs a girl's t-shirt by mistake, that doesn't make him a cross-dresser. Toss in some make up, high heels, a corset, and a giant red brazier and you get Alistair Overeem. Not a cross dresser, just a cheater. Overeem can now join the ranks of such illustrious athletes such as Barry Bonds, A-Rod, Roger Clemens, Sammy Sosa, Mark McGuire, and many, many more.

Look for Fedor to hopefully KO this medical nightmare in April of next year.

*as per Wikipedia