Alistair Overeem: 6 Possible UFC Fights for "The Reem"

Rumors have been swirling that the recently released Strikeforce Heavyweight Champion Alistair Overeem is on the verge of signing an exclusive deal with the UFC.

Although it is yet to be confirmed, Overeem has expressed interest in joining the world's largest MMA promotion when the UFC's parent company, Zuffa, purchased Strikeforce earlier this year.

Unable to continue on in the Strikeforce World Heavyweight Grand Prix tournament following a win over Fabricio Werdum, Overeem was subsequently released from Strikeforce. Fellow Golden Glory teammates were also released by both promotions under Zuffa due to a row between the Dutch camp and the company.

However, it appears that Overeem's contract may have some holes that would make his debut in the UFC a reality.

As speculation continues, here are six possible fights that "the Reem" may take if his dream of fighting in the UFC comes true.

6. Winner of Matt Mitrione vs. Cheick Kongo

If Overeem does in fact join the UFC's heavyweight roster, an immediate shot for the title–like fellow Strikeforce crossover—Nick Diaz may not be possible.

Champion Cain Velasquez is already set to face Junior dos Santos at UFC 139 in November—less than a month prior to Overeem's expected debut at UFC 140.

Also, UFC President Dana White may want to test the multiple-time world champion as he did with Jake Shields before he got a shot at Georges St-Pierre.

One matchup that would be intriguing is having "the Reem" face the winner of Matt Mitrione versus Cheick Kongo at UFC 137.

Both fighters have been on a roll of late, with both fighters coming off of impressive knockout wins.

Mitrione is undefeated in the UFC and is taking a huge step up in competition against Kongo. A win over a proven veteran will no doubt catapult his status within the UFC's heavyweight rankings.

For Kongo, the perennial gatekeeper looked like he was set for the division's basement when his last opponent Pat Barry nearly finished him. But coming back from such a brutal beat down, Kongo was able to land a huge punch, earning "Knockout of the Night" honors when he came back and finished Barry.

Now 2-0-1 since a loss to Frank Mir, Kongo looks to be getting back on track.

Although neither opponent can boast the achievements or skill level of Overeem, they both provide an interesting and tough matchup for the Dutch striker and may pose problems in his debut.

At the very least, both fighters' preference for striking would make a bout with "the Reem" way more interesting than the snooze-fest he had against Werdum.

5. Shane Carwin

Despite dropping his last two bouts versus former champion Brock Lesnar and current top contender Junior dos Santos, Shane Carwin still remains a threat in the heavyweight division.

With his powerful hands and superb wrestling pedigree, Carwin would pose a major problem for Overeem, as he has never faced a wrestler of this caliber.

The caveat is that Carwin may not want the fight since it would be his third top five opponent in a row and may lead to his release if he is not victorious.

However, if he is willing to put his job on the line, he may actually have a really good shot at stopping Overeem's 10-fight win streak.

This may actually be one of the most intriguing matchups out there.

4. Winner of Minotauro Nogueira and Brendan Schaub

Although not the first matchup to come to mind, seeing how the Reem would fare against either a hot young prospect or another Pride legend is intriguing.

Overeem is 0-2 against Lil' Nog and he would no doubt like to take a win from his heavier brother Minotauro Nogueira. A win against Minotauro would be an impressive victory on his resume and further cement his position as one of the elite heavyweights in MMA.

If Overeem were to take on Brendan Schaub, it would be a great bout for both fighters.

Schaub is on a four-fight win streak and coming off a KO over Mirko Cro Cop. Schaub would love a shot at another former Pride star.

The Reem would have a tough, up and comer on his hands and would have to keep his guard up since all except one of Schaub's win have been by knockout.

Either fight would be a great test for Overeem's UFC debut. 

3. Frank Mir

Taking on former champion Frank Mir would be a huge test for Overeem.

Mir is coming off of back-to-back wins versus Mirko Cro Cop and Roy Nelson and is looking to get back into the title hunt.

With Mir's great jiu-jitsu and solid striking, he would act as an almost mirror image of Overeem in terms of arsenal.

Overeem would have to have the advantage in the striking due to his K-1 background, but after seeing Mir put away Cro Cop, the fight may be a bit more evenly matched than most anticipate.

Having the Reem take on Mir would be a great bout and a potential No. 1 contender eliminator bout if White deems it.

2. Winner of Cain Velasquez vs. Junior Dos Santos

Overeem has stated that he wants to take on the best of the best; well you don't get any better than being champion of the world.

If White wants to go the route of Nick Diaz then he should have Overeem face the winner of Cain Velasquez versus Junior dos Santos.  

Both fighters are very well rounded and can knockout an opponent anytime. Overeem would definitely be facing the cream of the crop against either fighter.

Having the former Strikeforce champion take on the current UFC champion would be a huge draw and bring in a massive amount of publicity.

1. Brock Lesnar

The only fight that makes more sense and would bring in more publicity is having Overeem face former champion Brock Lesnar.

Lesnar is the biggest name in the UFC, and possibly the sport. Overeem is quite possibly the biggest name outside of the UFC.

Both fighters are former champions and have faced some of the toughest competition in their careers. But best of all, their styles pose challenges for each fighter and makes the bout that much more exciting.

Lesnar is an NCAA Division I wrestling champion while Overeem is a K-1 champion kickboxer.

The striker versus grappler matchup would be another great ploy for what would be the most publicity-filled fight ever in the UFC's heavyweight division.

Having the winner go on to face the champion would be the icing on the cake and bring in viewers with relative ease.

There really is no other fight that makes as much sense as this.