Picture Credit: Twitter
In a recent development, UFC has released heavyweight veterans Alistair Overeem and Junior dos Santos from the promotion after a series of negative results. While dos Santos is a former champion, clinching Cain Velasquez's belt and defending it against Frank Mir, Overeem had a title match against Stipe Miocic at UFC 203 but failed to win the championship.
Although initially the news broke out, merely as speculation, several media reports later confirmed the same. Dos Santos later took to Instagram to remove all doubts of uncertainty as he thanked UFC, his fans as well as his critics for his incredible journey.
"Thanks @ufc for a great 12 years! I fought through MMA’s Murderer’s Row to get my shot at the belt. Holding and defending it was one of the great honors of my life. Thanks to every opponent, thanks to every fan and every critic. I’m going to spend some time back at the drawing board, but I’m excited to move on ??? OSS," he captioned an old picture of himself.
Here is his post:
View this post on Instagram
Overeem's wish for "one last run" to remain unfulfilled
Dos Santos, who had arguably the toughest path to the heavyweight title, defeated as many as five champions in the process of claiming the title. However, he was far from his best in recent encounters and was knocked out in each of his last four fights. Meanwhile, 40-year-old Overeem had expressed his desire for "one last run" at the title before retiring but seems like his wish will remain unfulfilled.