Alistair Overeem, the former Strikeforce Heavyweight Champion, Dream Heavyweight Champion, and K-1 World Grand Prix Champion, has undergone a significant physical transformation in recent years, marked by a noticeable weight loss and a shift in his approach to health and fitness. This change has sparked considerable interest and discussion among MMA fans, especially given Overeem's history as one of the sport's most imposing physical specimens.
From "Ubereem" to Vegetarian: The Evolution of a Martial Artist's Physique
During his prime, Overeem was renowned for his massive, muscular physique, earning him the nickname "Ubereem." He famously maintained his size through a rigorous diet that included large quantities of meat, even horse meat. However, Overeem's recent transformation reveals a stark contrast to his former self. Photos surfaced showing a much leaner Overeem, a far cry from the "Ubereem" that fans had grown accustomed to seeing.
The Catalyst for Change: A Focus on Health and Longevity
Overeem's decision to lose weight and alter his diet stems from a desire to prioritize his long-term health and well-being. After a career spanning over two decades, Overeem retired from combat sports and began focusing on "other cool stuff," including promoting health.
"I actually just decided to stop fighting," Overeem said. "This is not my thing anymore. It’s been 25 years, right? We’re going to do other cool stuff now."
He emphasized the importance of longevity, stating, "I want to have longevity, and that’s some of the things, some of the projects that I’m working with for the future is longevity programs."
Read also: Weight Loss Guide Andalusia, AL
Embracing Vegetarianism and Detoxification
A key component of Overeem's transformation is his embrace of vegetarianism. He met Julian VanHoven, a "special nutritionist," who guided him toward a new dietary approach.
"Meat is not good for you, it negatively affects you," Overeem said. "Yes, it tastes delicious. Even now, I could still eat meat, but I just choose not to."
Overeem also incorporated detoxification practices into his routine, which he believes helped to change his appetite and reduce his cravings for meat.
"I started doing detoxing," Overeem explained. "I have this special nutritionist, Julian VanHoven. When I met him, I instantly knew this guy has knowledge so we started working and I started taking these supplements in a reasonably high dosage which you can just do on an empty stomach, and after a couple of weeks, my diet, my appetite changed.”
He elaborated on how the detoxification process altered his taste preferences, suggesting that parasites in his body were driving his meat cravings.
Read also: Beef jerky: A high-protein option for shedding pounds?
“When I spoke to Julian, I asked him what’s happening. I don’t want to eat my steak anymore, but I want to eat my steak because I want muscles, and he said, ‘You had parasites in your body. We gave you the supplements, you start detoxing your body,’ and these supplements are just simple seaweed. Everybody could take it and this creates an alkaline environment which these parasites do not like. They will get hurt and die off and once you get rid of them, your tastes change. It’s not me who needs to eat meat, it’s the parasites that influence me, work through me to make me think I want to eat meat, but it’s not me. And once you get rid of them, you don’t care.”
Reflecting on the Past, Embracing the Future
Overeem acknowledges that his past dietary choices were based on the knowledge he had at the time.
"It’s all about knowing, right? Like, what I did in my 30 years of training and competing and everything, I did the best I could [at] the time [that] I knew. That’s the right way to put it. But as time goes on, you learn new stuff."
He now feels healthier than ever and is enjoying the benefits of his lighter physique.
"I am the healthiest I’ve ever been," Overeem said on The MMA Hour. "I’m like 210, 220 [pounds]. If you’re not going to fight, why would you walk [around heavier]? I mean, I still look good. I’ve got a six-pack. I’m still strong. I can still kick ass. But yeah, why would I have another, what is it, 20 or 30 pounds of weight? Because then you have to eat, you have to lift heavy, you have to do the things to maintain. And once I made the decision [to be] done [with fighting], all of everything becomes [about] longevity."
Read also: Inspiring Health Transformation
Overeem's Career Highlights and Setbacks
Alistair Overeem's career has been marked by both triumphs and controversies. He achieved significant success in various combat sports organizations, including Strikeforce, DREAM, and K-1. However, he also faced setbacks, including a failed drug test in 2012 that prevented him from competing for the UFC Heavyweight Championship against Junior dos Santos.
In November 2011, both competitors were required by the NSAC to comply with out-of-competition drug testing. Lesnar delivered his sample screen on 21 November, while Overeem delivered his on 23 November. The screen, however, did not meet the standards of the commission. Overeem submitted a second test through his personal physician, which was also deemed unacceptable before flying out of the country.
Most recently, Overeem served a 12-month suspension for testing positive for PEDs after his kickboxing victory over Badr Hari at GLORY: Collision 4 in October. The fight, originally a unanimous decision win for Overeem, was overturned to a no contest.
A Shift in Training and Mindset
The other significant change Overeem made was changing camps to Jackson-Winkeljohn MMA in Albuquerque, N.M. Overeem seems to be in a better spot. He didn't get along well with his former teammates with the Blackzilians and many of them have publicly gone after him for being a bad training partner -- most notably Anthony Johnson, who implied Overeem intentionally tries to injure people in the gym.
Prior to that, Overeem, ranked No. 7 among UFC heavyweight contenders, said he looked at fellow heavyweights Browne and Fabricio Werdum and lightweight Donald Cerrone as examples of fighters who come in lighter and don't get tired easily.
Overeem's Earlier Weight Loss Efforts
It's worth noting that Overeem's recent weight loss is not the first time he has consciously altered his physique. In the past, he recognized the importance of being lighter for cardio and endurance. He has brought in a nutritionist and has a new diet focused on eating clean. That doesn't mean he won't cheat with some horse meat once in a while, but the big fella is eating much more greens and said he has lost a considerable amount of body fat.
"For cardio's sake, you need to be as small as possible," Overeem said. "That's my two cents. That's something I learned."