Way back when, in late 2011 to be exact, Alistair Overeem debuted in the UFC on the back of form which had seen him undefeated through a four-year, 11-fight span which had yielded both the Strikeforce and DREAM heavyweight titles.

In addition to the above Overeem had also claimed the K-1 World Grand Prix during this spell, as well as the stature of one of the division’s finest, most multi-faceted fighters. So then, a lot was expected when he made his UFC debut against Brock Lesnar who was smarting from the double blow of of losing the heavyweight crown to Cain Velasquez a year earlier as well as a bout with an intestinal disorder called diverticulitis.

The surgery Lesnar underwent to alleviate the illness involved removing several inches of his colon, a procedure which may as well have placed a target on his belly for Overeem’s torpedo-like knees — a fact which Lesnar learned midway through the first round.

Overeem, meanwhile, has yet to claim the UFC heavyweight title in his subsequent years with the organisation. He came closest during Stipe Miocic’s reign, but was defeated in the first round of their title bout by the former champion. He will look to claim his second straight win in the UFC’s event in St. Petersburg on Saturday where he faces submission specialist Alexey Oleinik.

Check out Overeem vs. Lesnar below:

Source: UFC/YouTube