Source:
https://scmp.com/sport/martial-arts/mixed-martial-arts/article/3207421/one-championship-chatri-says-its-complete-bs-alistair-overeem-deny-muay-thai-grand-prix-contact Mixed Martial Arts
ONE Championship: Chatri says it’s ‘complete BS’ for Alistair Overeem to deny Muay Thai grand prix contact
- ONE boss insists ‘we didn’t invite him’ to Bangkok event as Overeem refutes reaching out over US$1 million tournament
- Chatri insists former UFC heavyweight told him ‘point blank’ at cageside his deal with Glory Kickboxing is non-exclusive
Alistair Overeem reacts after his TKO victory over Augusto Sakai at UFC Fight Night on September 5, 2020 in Las Vegas. Photo: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
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Alistair Overeem may have denied reaching out to ONE Championship about competing in their openweight Muay Thai grand prix, and insisted that he was invited to watch their Fight Night 6 card in Bangkok last Saturday.
But ONE chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong said Overeem’s statement on Instagram was “complete BS”.
An anonymous source told the Post former UFC heavyweight MMA contender Overeem (47-19), who now competes in Glory Kickboxing, had contacted ONE officials last week about fighting in their 16-man tournament, which will kick off in March with a US$1 million prize up for grabs for the winner.
“It’s funny because he did reach out to ONE,” Chatri told the Post.
“We did not invite him, we had no idea he was in Bangkok. I know that he put on social media refuting that he had reached out, but it’s complete BS. We had no idea he was in Thailand.
“He reached out to Ric Auty [senior director of competition] to be very specific, and then they asked me should we let Overeem come. I said sure, so that’s how it happened.
“I don’t mean to make Alistair look bad, but no Alistair, we did not invite you. I’m only reacting to the social media post. We did not invite him.”
The 42-year-old Dutchman was sat cageside next to Chatri for the January 14 event at Impact Arena, sparking speculation an announcement could be made regarding his inclusion in the grand prix.
But Overeem wrote in a social media post to “set the record straight” he was simply on holiday in Thailand, and claimed he was invited to the event.
“As a fan of the sport, I always enjoy watching some good fights. Just as a visitor. Nothing more, nothing less,” Overeem wrote. “For all the people who love to spread rumours, sorry guys. No gossip here. I’m dedicated to Glory Kickboxing.”
Chatri, however, claimed Overeem told him “point blank” at cageside that his deal with Glory was non-exclusive.
“I don’t want to call out anyone for speaking half truths or anything,” he added. “So I have no idea. We did talk about it briefly, but we were watching the fights mostly.
“Look, I have a lot of love and respect for Alistair and everything he has done for the sport. I’m actually a huge fan – I’ve watched him since the K-1 [kickboxing] days and all that stuff, and the grands prix when he was in Japan, so a lot of respect.
“But I was a little bit … for him to say we invited him, no we didn’t, we had no idea he was even in Thailand.”
Chatri insisted Overeem is not the only fighter outside ONE to have reached out to the company regarding the grand prix.
“I’m not leading that [recruitment] process. I will have the final say on the final 16,” he said.
“But even my own personal inbox on Facebook and Instagram has been flooded with a lot of people – qualified and unqualified – who want to compete in it, just because it’s a million dollars, right?”
Alistair Overeem leaves the Octagon after his loss to Jairzinho Rozenstruik at UFC Fight Night at Capital One Arena. Photo: USA TODAY Sports
Whether we will actually see freak fights like Overeem versus ONE’s flyweight Muay Thai champ Rodtang Jitmuangnon, Chatri remained tight lipped.
“It’s too early to say – for sure what we’re looking for is the 16 best athletes, and they have to be the best and in their prime,” he said.
“I want to make sure people understand fully that’s the bar. Just because you’re big and a champion, but you aren’t technically good – which there are many around the world, I’m not naming names – then you’re probably not gonna make the cut.
“But if you’re highly technical and in the prime of your life … We’re not looking for those big freak show athletes that are huge but have no technique. K-1 had these really huge guys, like that big Korean guy, Hongman Choi. The only reason they put him in is because he’s 7ft 6 and 300 pounds. That’s not what we’re looking for.
“We’re looking for the truly best fighters on the planet, irrespective of weight class. It will be hard to get in no matter who you are.”