Alistair Overeem: 5 Things You Need to Know About "The Demolition Man"

It was only a matter of time before Alistair “The Demolition Man” Overeem (35-11-1) signed with the UFC.

Today it was finally announced that the former Strikeforce heavyweight champ signed with the UFC and will take on its biggest star, Brock Lesnar, at UFC 141.

Casual MMA fans my only know Overeem for the hype surrounding his name, but here are five things you should know about the Reem. 

He Is One of the Best Strikers in MMA

Overeem may not have showed much of it in his most recent fight against Fabricio Werdum, but he is one of the best strikers in the heavyweight division.

Not only did Overeem hold two MMA championship titles at the same time, he one kickboxing organization K-1’s World Grand Prix last year.

Overeem has 14 wins by KO, including three straight before his fight with Werdum.

He's No Slouch in the Submission Department, Either

Because Overeem's striking is often talked about, it's hard to forget just how good he is at submissions.

Overeem actually has more wins by submission than KO and holds a submission victory over former UFC light heavyweight champ Vitor Belfort. 

Because of his length and strength, Overeem's submission game is just as dangerous as his striking. 

He Is One of the Most Experienced Fighters in the Heavyweight Division

Overeem had his first pro MMA fight in 1999, and has gone on to have nearly 50 MMA fights, making him one of the most experienced fighters in MMA today.

Although Overeem has never fought in the UFC, he has been on a major stage, fighting in PRIDE FC and Strikeforce.

Overeem’s experience could be a major factor against Lesnar, who has only had seven professional fights. 

He Is a Big International MMA Star

Born in England and fighting out of the Netherlands, Alistair is one of Europe’s best MMA fighters.

Besides living outside of the US, Overeem has also fought a majority of his career outside the country.

Overeem has made a name for himself in Japanese-based organizations Dream, K-1 and Pride.

Bringing Overeem to the UFC is a big move as the company is growing and trying to reach even more major markets. 

He Has Had the Most Success in His Career at Heavyweight

For much of Overeem’s career, he fought as a tall and lanky light heavyweight.

Although he had success at this weight class, he never quite got over the hump when it came to fighting guys like Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, Chuck Liddell and Mauricio Rua.

Since choosing to move to heavyweight permanently, Overeem has been 11-1-1.

Overeem is on a seven-fight win streak and has looked nearly unstoppable in his most recent fights.