Cage Religion: Since moving up to heavyweight, you've lost only a single fight in the last three years. What ultimately made you decide to move up to heavyweight full time and do you feel it was one of your best career moves?
Alistair Overeem: In 2006, I had a difficult year and lost three fights in a row. At that moment, I tried to find out why this was happening. When I was fighting at light heavyweight, I couldn't do any weight training because I had to cut to -93kg [205 lbs.] all the time. Getting older and more mature made it more difficult to cut weight. I then decided to move up to heavyweight. It was a good choice obviously but it was inevitable.
Cage Religion: You have arguably some of the best striking of any heavyweight in MMA. In a time where a majority of heavyweights rely on a wrestling base, do you feel being such a technical striker gives you an advantage?
Alistair Overeem: In the stand up part of the fight, I will have an advantage but still, MMA is more than just striking. I have to say, there are not many MMA fighters who have a good striking base and as history has already shown us, being just a striker is not good enough to be a champion. I have to be an all-around fighter in the end.
Cage Religion: You appeared disappointed after Fabricio Werdum's upset victory over Fedor Emelianenko. What was your initial reaction and thoughts after the fight?
Alistair Overeem: Prior to the fight I was trying my best to hype a potential match between myself and Fedor. The management of Fedor declined a possible fight with me and they instead chose Werdum as an opponent. If Fedor won that fight, he had to fight me because I was the only candidate that made sense. I wanted to fight Fedor so I was a little disappointed about him losing but at the end, Werdum won so he will be my next opponent.
Cage Religion: Antonio Silva, Fedor Emelianenko and Fabricio Werdum are names that have all been throw in the hat in regards to your next opponent. Werdum will in fact be your next fight?
Alistair Overeem: I don't know to be honest. I have been told Werdum is the only interesting option for me out there because he deserves to fight for the title. There is also interest out of Japan for me to fight in K-1 and maybe DREAM. I would have to see what makes more sense and what is going to be the best deal.
Cage Religion: Having faced Fabricio Werdum back in 2006, how would you see the rematch going? What would you do differently this time around?
Alistair Overeem: To tell you the truth, I'm a completely different fighter now than I was in 2006. Of course, Werdum is a different fighter now but I think I've improved more and therefor am going to win the rematch.
Cage Religion: What are your plans for the near future? Do you plan on returning to K-1 or are you aiming to defend your Strikeforce title next?
Alistair Overeem: Like I mentioned before, my priority is MMA but the fight has to make sense, otherwise I will fight K-1. Nothing is decided yet though so you will have to wait and see.
Cage Religion: You are widely considered a top ten heavyweight in the world. Are rankings something that matter much to you?
Alistair Overeem: No, not really. Every ranking looks different from each other so it's not something I take that seriously. I honestly think that every fighter in the top ten has the ability to beat each other.
Cage Religion: Having accomplished so much in your MMA and kickboxing career, what keeps you motivated at this point?
Alistair Overeem: There are still some achievement that can be accomplished so that's something that motivates me. Furthermore, I still have the age to fight for a couple of years and of course, I have a family to support. Financially, it's also interesting to keep fighting. Overall, I like fighting too much to just quit.
Cage Religion: What has been your proudest moment in your career thus far?
Alistair Overeem: That moment still has to come (laughs)
Cage Religion: You have a documentary series on your website, TheReem.com. Talk a little bit about that.
Alistair Overeem: My team and I are making an online documentary about my life as a professional fighter. A lot of people don't know me personally so this way they can see something more about myself and what it takes to be a fighter.
Cage Religion: Is there anything you would like to say to your fans before we get going?
Alistair Overeem: Thanks for all your support and check out my new website AlistairOvereem.com
