Alistair Overeem expects big things after victory in Netherlands

Ultimate Fighting Championship heavyweight contender Alistair Overeem may have created some awkward moments in the gym over the last few weeks since his fight against popular teammate Andrei Arlovski was announced, but he believes that’s all in the past now that the fight is over.

Overeem knocked out Arlovski in the second round of their UFC Fight Night 87 bout in Rotterdam, Netherlands, on Sunday. He thinks the win puts him in position to fight either Stipe Miocic or Fabricio Werdum later this year after they fight for Werdum’s belt on Saturday in the main event of UFC 198 in Curitiba, Brazil.

Overeem says he will be back at Jackson-Winkeljohn MMA in Albuquerque, New Mexico, this week to begin preparations for a potential title fight.

“I have a great relationship with the coaches and we spoke that we will pick up right where we left off after this fight,” he said at the post-fight news conference. “I expect to be there in no time because we have to get ready for the big one of course.”

Those coaches were in Arlovski’s corner on Sunday. Whether that was because they were picking sides, or more likely Arlovski’s seniority at the gym, doesn’t seem to matter anymore.

Overeem says he will absolutely continue training there.

“Not a lot of words, but there was a handshake. There was respect. We looked each other in the eyes,” Overeem said of the brief interaction with Arlovski after the fight. “Obviously this whole thing wasn’t good for the team, but I’ve done the best I could to keep the energy positive and not to disrupt anybody. The respect is there. It’s not going to be gone. We’ll obviously continue to see each other in the gym. There’s no bad vibes.”

Arlovski didn’t directly address a question about what it would be like back in New Mexico.

“Of course, I’m disappointed,” the former heavyweight champion said. “Alistair is a great fighter and tonight was his night.”

Overeem’s attention is now solely on fighting for the UFC heavyweight title. He’s one of the most accomplished heavyweights in the world, not only in mixed martial arts, but also as a kickboxer. The one thing missing from his resume is a UFC belt.

It doesn’t matter to him who he beats to accomplish the goal, as long as he gets that chance.

“I do think I have the best case for a title win, not a shot, a win,” Overeem said. “I really believe in may the best man win. I do have a history with Werdum. I think he’s a very tricky, very clever fighter. Stipe is also very dangerous. But may the best man win. I consider myself a champion and champions fight anybody, anytime anywhere. But I do think I have the best case for a title win.”

Overeem is 1-1 against Werdum, scoring a unanimous decision victory in 2011 to avenge a submission loss in 2006.

His four straight wins include three knockouts. The only other legitimate option to be next in line might come from oft-injured former champ Cain Velasquez, who will fight Travis Browne at UFC 200 on July 9. Overeem’s resume, and the timing, seem to make sense for him to get the next shot though.

MAIN EVENTS ANNOUNCED

Former women’s bantamweight champion Holly Holm will return to the cage for the first time since losing her belt to Miesha Tate in June when she takes on Valentina Shevchenko at UFC on Fox 20 in Chicago on July 23.

Shevchenko had her five-fight winning streak snapped with a unanimous decision loss to Amanda Nunes in March.

The UFC’s first visit to South Dakota also has a main event as lightweight Tony Ferguson will fight Michael Chiesa at UFC Fight Night 91 in Sioux Falls on July 13.

Ferguson has won seven consecutive bouts. He was scheduled to fight Khabib Nurmagomedov in a matchup of top contenders in April, but was forced to pull out of the bout due to injury.

Chiesa, the winner of Season 15 of “The Ultimate Fighter,” has won his last three fights, including two by submission.

BRAZILIAN STARS TOP CARD

Saturday’s UFC 198 pay-per-view card in Curitiba, Brazil, features native stars Anderson Silva and Mauricio “Shogun” Rua, both former champions, and Cris “Cyborg” Justino, who will make her organizational debut.

Also, Brazilian middleweights Vitor Belfort and Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza will meet with a potential title shot on the line.

That’s all before the card even gets to the main event where American Miocic will challenge Brazilian heavyweight champion Werdum for the UFC title.

The event will air live at 7 p.m., with the preliminary card airing live at 5 p.m. on Fox Sports 1.

Contact reporter Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com or 702-224-5509. Follow him on Twitter: @adamhilllvrj