Overeem to Fight Tony Sylvester

The recent news is that Strikeforce heavyweight champion Alistair Overeem (29-11-0-1 MMA, #8 IWMMAR) will step in the ring against small circuit veteran Tony Sylvester (11-2 MMA), as Sylvester has stepped in to replace Sam Hoger (8-4 MMA, 2-3 UFC). The fight is set for Golden Glory 11, which will take place on October 17th.

There’s been a lot of speculation that Overeem will appear on the Dream 12 card, taking place a little more than a week later, as he appeared in a hype video for the Japanese event. Overeem’s health has been a serious impediment and has caused him to pull out of a couple major bouts including a title defense against Fabricio Werdum (12-4-1 MMA, 2-2 UFC). Overeem last fought in November of 2008, when he submitted Gary Goodridge (23-20 MMA, 4-4 UFC) with a kimura in the first round.

Sylvester’s resume is not particularly impressive and his last fight was in December of 2008, when he defeated Roger Minton (0-1 MMA) in the first round. Sylvester has a recent loss to Chris Tuchscherer (17-2-0-1 MMA), but otherwise hasn’t really fought anyone of note. Overeem should be a heavy favorite.