Alistair Overeem will make his professional boxing debut against Jimi Manuwa in a six-round heavyweight bout on the undercard of Jake Paul’s return fight against Cédric Doumbé. The event takes place on December 24 at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, announced Most Valuable Promotions during the launch press conference this week.
Overeem, 46, is stepping into the boxing ring after a long career in mixed martial arts and kickboxing. The Dutch fighter held Strikeforce and DREAM heavyweight titles and challenged Stipe Miocic for the UFC heavyweight championship in 2016. His MMA record stands at 47 wins and 19 losses, including 20 fights in the UFC. Before MMA, Overeem fought 15 professional kickboxing matches, winning the 2010 K-1 World Grand Prix. His last combat sports appearance was in October 2022, a kickboxing bout against Badr Hari that ended as a no contest after Overeem tested positive for a banned substance.
Manuwa, also 46, retired from MMA in 2019 with a 17-6 record and 12 UFC appearances mostly in the light heavyweight division. Unlike Overeem, Manuwa has already fought professionally as a boxer, making his debut in August this year when he stopped Chase Sherman, another former UFC fighter, in the second round in Orlando, Florida.
“I’ve fought the best in the world, and I’ve been a world champion in multiple disciplines,” Overeem said. “Now I’m starting a new chapter in boxing, and I’m not here to make up the numbers. Jimi Manuwa is a dangerous man with serious knockout power, but I’ve built my career on taking the toughest challenges in combat sports.”
The Dutchman made clear his intentions beyond this fight. “I grew up in the Netherlands, but Dubai is my home now, and on Christmas Eve I’m bringing the Demolition Man to Coca-Cola Arena. Jimi had better be ready, because I’m coming to put on a show. Once I stop Jimi, Rico Verhoeven is next on my hit list.”
Manuwa responded to the challenge, emphasizing his confidence and respect for Overeem’s career. “London is in everything I do. Where I come from, pressure makes you, and it makes me. I’ve watched Alistair since I was coming up, and I know exactly what he’s capable of. That’s why I wanted this fight. After my win in Orlando, I wasn’t looking for an easy opponent. On Christmas Eve, one of us is going to sleep, and it’s not going to be me.”
The event currently has no confirmed television partner, leaving the promotion with an open broadcast situation. Jake Paul’s return to boxing against Cédric Doumbé, a former Glory kickboxing champion, headlines the card in Dubai, which has become a growing hub for combat sports events.
Most Valuable Promotions officially announced the Overeem-Manuwa matchup on Thursday, framing it as a heavyweight clash between two former UFC fighters transitioning to boxing. Both men bring experience from MMA and kickboxing, but this will be Overeem’s first professional boxing contest while Manuwa looks to build momentum after his recent debut win.
The fight adds to the increasing trend of MMA veterans crossing over into professional boxing, often on cards alongside crossover stars like Jake Paul. Whether Overeem’s long career in combat sports will translate into boxing success remains to be seen, but his confidence and competitive history suggest he will be a challenging opponent for Manuwa. The buildup to the fight is set to intensify in the coming weeks as both fighters prepare for their showdown in Dubai on Christmas Eve.
According to Yahoo Sports.
