Issue 113

April 2014

The former Strikeforce and K-1 champ revitalizes his training in Thailand prior to taking on Frank Mir at UFC 169

JANUARY 2014

SATURDAY 4TH

In an effort to breathe some new life into his training and get back in the win column at UFC 169, Alistair has traveled to Thailand, the home of Muay Thai. Although he’s a long way from home, Overeem is clearly never too far from a fan as he takes time from his workout to pose for a photo with two young admirers.

SUNDAY 5TH

As a veteran of the fight game, Overeem knows rest can often be as important as work when preparing for battle. Having spent his first few days getting back to his striking roots, ‘The Reem’ takes a break by journeying out on to the clear blue water on a luxury yacht, appropriately named ‘Escape.’

WEDNESDAY 8TH

Continuing his efforts of self-improvement as an athlete, Overeem seeks the help of former opponent Sergei Kharitonov. Having both defeated and been defeated by Sergei in professional MMA competition, the Russian striker is the ideal sparring partner for a man looking to develop both his strengths and his weaknesses.

SATURDAY 18TH

A strong advocate of balancing pain and hard work with pleasure, he rounds off another cardio-centric day of training with a trip to the movies to see action thriller Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit, tweeting: “Just saw Jack Ryan.... Mwah mwah :-|”

MONDAY 20TH

Having spent the better part of a month surrounded by the sea, sand and sun of Thailand, the time has finally come for the UFC heavyweight to depart for the biting cold winter weather of New Jersey, USA, where he is set to battle Frank Mir in just under two weeks’ time. “Wrapping up Thailand.. It’s been a pleasure being here! But now we’ve got a job to do,” the former K-1 champ posts.

FRIDAY 31ST

It’s the day before UFC 169, which means that it’s time for the official weigh-ins. Having focused greatly on his cardio during this camp, Alistair shows off a leaner physique than in his previous UFC bouts, weighing 257lb with jeans and shoes on.

FEBRUARY 2014

SATURDAY 1ST

Having come up short in his last two UFC fights, Overeem enters the Octagon in desperate need of a win. Over the course of three rounds he dominates Mir, earning a unanimous decision victory over the former UFC heavyweight champion and establishing himself once more as a contender.