Issue 067
November 2010
Strikeforce champion Alistair Overeem is a man-mountain and considered one of the best heavyweight strikers in the world. A product of the famous Golden Glory gym in Holland, Overeem’s game is based around a combination of strength and technique and it’s surprisingly straightforward to replicate.
COMBINATIONS
The Dutch style of Muay Thai (see also: Paul Daley and Gilbert Yvel) emphasizes powerful combinations – every shot is thrown with 100% power. This forms the backbone of Overeem’s style and, although he hasn’t utilized his kicks as much of late, his knee strikes are some of the most dangerous in the business.
In the gym
Working on the pads, throw shots from alternate sides: a punch from the left, a knee from the right. Land the leg forward after kneeing the pad (so as to switch stance) and punch with the right hand; follow up with a knee from the left. Make sure that every shot is thrown with bad intentions and look for the knockout in true Dutch style.
In action
The ‘Demolition Man’ punished Paul Buentello with knees to the body, KO’d Fujita at Dynamite!! 2009 and TKO’d Sergei Kharitonov with his knee strikes back in 2006 at Pride 31.
STRENGTH TRAINING
Overeem radically developed his physique to make the jump up to heavyweight. His legs, waist, arms and neck have all been heavily built up in order to cope with the extra size and punching power of his heavyweight peers.
In the gym
All of the fundamental exercises needed to build size and strength can be accomplished with just an Olympic bar and a few heavy plates. Big moves such as the squat, the deadlift, cleans and presses are good muscle-building moves that target the whole body.
In action
Since moving up to heavyweight, Overeem has outmuscled and overpowered giants such as Brett Rogers (6’4”, 265lb), Mark Hunt (5’10”, 280lb), James Thompson (6’4”, 270lb) and Kazuyuki Fujita (6’, 250lb).
THE GUILLOTINE
Overeem’s favorite submission is the guillotine, which is ideal for his build – he boasts long forearms and strong shoulders – and once he grabs the neck, he doesn’t let it go.
In the gym
Use the Thai clinch to snap your opponent’s head down. While they’re worrying about your knees, you can sneak your hand under the chin and secure the neck. For a stronger finish on the conventional guillotine choke, bring the elbow high and up over the shoulder. This prevents the opponent from both hand-fighting effectively and stripping your choke from around their neck.
In action
Overeem made short work of James Thompson with an easy standing guillotine finish in just 33 seconds of the first round at Dream 12. A total of seven of Overeem’s career wins have been by guillotine.
THAI CLINCH TAKEDOWNS
Muay Thai clinching involves far more than just kneeing from a double collar tie-up. Muay Thai involves a sophisticated system of wrestling that has much in common with Greco-Roman wrestling. Hip throws are illegal in Muay Thai (as are leg tackles) but catching kicks and other throws are allowed.
?In the gym
Spar rounds of Thai clinching throwing light knees to the body. Aim to get your leg in position to execute a twisting takedown from an upright posture.
In action
Overeem uses Thai throws to great effect, first kneeing then maneuvering his foot position outside the opponent’s leg to overbalance and throw them with ease. Take a look at his Strikeforce fight against Brett Rogers for a perfect example of a Thai-style throw.
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