Former UFC stars Alistair Overeem and Jimi Manuwa will clash in a six-round boxing match on December 24 at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, featuring on the undercard of Jake Paul versus Cédric Doumbé.
Overeem Shifts to Professional Boxing at 46
- Overeem transitions to professional boxing at age 46.
- Manuwa enters with active professional boxing experience following an August victory, shifting early expectations in the striking exchange.
Overeem and Manuwa Set for Dubai Heavyweight Clash
Most Valuable Promotions announced the matchup Thursday during the launch press conference for the Paul-Doumbé event in Dubai, Yahoo Sports reported. The fight card currently has no confirmed television partner.
Overeem, 46, will make his professional boxing debut after a decorated career in mixed martial arts and kickboxing. Across 20 appearances in the UFC, two heavyweight titles secured in Strikeforce and DREAM, and other notable bouts, the Dutch athlete amassed a 47-19 record in MMA. Overeem unsuccessfully challenged Stipe Miocic for the UFC heavyweight title in 2016.
Before that venture, Overeem participated in 15 professional kickboxing contests, capturing the 2010 K-1 World Grand Prix crown along the way. His most recent combat sports appearance occurred in October 2022, when his kickboxing match against Badr Hari was later declared a no contest following a positive drug test by Overeem for a prohibited substance.
| Athlete | Age | MMA Record | Notable Boxing Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alistair Overeem | 46 | 47-19 | Professional Debut |
| Jimi Manuwa | 46 | 17-6 | 1-0 (Stopped Chase Sherman in Aug) |
Manuwa Brings Professional Boxing Experience to the Matchup
Manuwa, also 46, retired from MMA in 2019 with a 17-6 record. The athlete from Britain made 12 walks to the Octagon and fought within the light heavyweight division for seven years without ever getting a championship opportunity. Unlike Overeem, Manuwa has experience in professional boxing, having made his debut in August by stopping fellow UFC veteran Chase Sherman 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.”
“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,” he told Yahoo Sports.
“London is in everything I do,” Manuwa said. “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.”
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