Alistair Overeem expects a solid showing from Curtis Blaydes at UFC 266. Looking to rebound from his knockout loss to Derrick Lewis, Blaydes (14-3 MMA, 9-3 UFC) meets kickboxing specialist Jairzinho Rozenstruik (12-2 MMA, 6-2 UFC) on Saturday and has been preparing with the best-suited training partner possible. Blaydes has been sparring with former K-1 world grand prix champion and UFC heavyweight contender Overeem, who’s scheduled to challenge reigning champion, Rico Verhoeven, at “Glory: Collision 3” on Oct. 23. “I’ve just trained with Curtis last week; he’s looking in great shape,” Overeem told MMA Junkie. “I expect him to get the win on this one.” Related Alistair Overeem to retire from combat sports within 18 months: 'I would've liked to finish in UFC' Alistair Overeem says Fedor Emelianenko turned him down three times – including for Bellator 269 Former foes-turned-training partners, Overeem and Blaydes have joined forces at Elevation Fight Team ever since Blaydes defeated Overeem at UFC 225 in 2018.
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Alistair Overeem expects ‘physical specimen’ Curtis Blaydes to rebound at UFC 266 – MMA Junkie