Alert!: Overeem not likely to fight in 2012
By Brett Okamoto | ESPN.com
The UFC will not book Alistair Overeem for fights in Las Vegas until he reapplies and is granted a license by the Nevada State Athletic Commission, according to UFC co-owner Lorenzo Fertitta.
Overeem, currently serving a nine-month suspension under the NSAC for a failed drug test in March, caused widespread speculation Monday when he stated on Twitter he would return to the cage in December.
The Dutch heavyweight is eligible to reapply for a license on Dec. 27. If approved, he would technically be available to compete in Las Vegas at the UFC’s annual year-end card, which is expected to take place Dec. 29.
That scenario appears unlikely though, as Fertitta stated he would not promote an Overeem fight until the NSAC formally approves his license application.
“That’s speculation,” Fertitta said in a text to ESPN.com. “It’s in the NSAC’s hands. (The UFC) can’t be presumptuous.”