UFC 203: Miocic v. Overdeem- Hometown Hero v. Potential History Maker

There’s another fight at UFC 203 that’s NOT CM Punk v. Mickey Gall? You learn something new every day.

This Saturday, UFC 203 takes place in Cleveland, Ohio. It is the home to Stipe Miocic (15-2), the current UFC Heavyweight Champion. When he defeated Fabricio Werdum at UFC 198 for the title, the city of Cleveland rejoiced. The Cavaliers later won the NBA Finals, and the Indians are currently surging in the MLB. Miocic comes home as a hero and a chance to represent his home in more ways than one.

Alistair Overeem (41–14 (1)) looks to change all of that in one night. The man fighting out of Amsterdam looks to knock out the champion and cement his legacy in the UFC and the MMA world.

httpss://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18TzJym4hmo

If Stipe were to win, Cleveland would have another reason to celebrate. Performing in front of his home town with his family watching is a dream come true for the 34-year old. For Overdeem, it’s a chance to make history. If he were to win the title, Alistair would be the first fighter to become a champion in the UFC, Strikeforce, K-1 and DREAM. It looks like he is up for the challenge. He promised to bring the belt back to Amsterdam, and from his track record it appears he can make that happen.

Overdeem see’s this fight as an opportunity to defeat, in his mind, a distracted Miocic. He believes the win has changed him. In an interview with MMA Fighting, the challenger believes he worked harder for this moment than the champion. He stated:

“…He (Stipe) has been celebrating his victory. And you know what? Who can blame him? He became the champion in record time. But while he was celebrating, I was working. I was training hard. And my life has been dedicated for the last two-and-a-half years. The last six months I have definitely put on a couple of notches more. We’re ready, we’re going to get that belt.”

Strong words from the challenger. It sounds like a Rocky 3 moment with Overdeem playing the role of a hungry Mr. T and Miocic as Rocky. This is reality however, and the champion won’t go down so easily the first time around. It is easy to see that Overdeem is not messing around, but neither is Stipe. Celebrations aside, the hometown champion will not take the challenger lightly. Both will be looking to knock the other one out. Stipe’s last three wins came via KO against very tough opponents, while Overdeem’s last four came the same way (one via unanimous decision).

This Saturday, its Champion vs. Challenger. Hometown hero v. Spoiler. A chance for one to shine bright in their stomping grounds or for the other to make history. What can we expect from this fight at The Q? As Mr. T once stated: “My prediction? Pain!”