Ik doe dit even in het engels zodat andere sites dit over kunnen nemen.
By: Cyril Garcia
As soon as the word got out that Alistair was cut by Strikeforce Mixfight contacted Golden Glory head trainer Martijn de Jong for a first reaction.
MF: what was your first reaction when you heard the news about Alistair being cut by Strikeforce?
Martijn: I was very disappointed when i heard the news.
MF: Did you expect the possibility that Alistair could be cut?
Martijn: I did not see this coming and i was sure everything would be ok. Especially after seeing the interview Dana White gave to the press saying Alistair was out of the tournament but still under contract.
MF: Did you think the timing was right and appropriate when United Glory announced that Alistair would fight on their card in Moskow in october while their was still some discussion about Alistair being removed from the HW tournament?
Martijn: Alistair said from the beginning (first interview) that he would be ready to fight again in october. When Strikeforce removed him from the tournamen it was a logical step for him to fight on the United Glory card. Alistair is a person who always wants to fight and as much as possible. Him being injured and not able to fight Silva is something that really bothered him. If we didn't gave him the opportunity to fight on the United Glory event he would be waiting for another 6 to 9 months before Strikeforce would offer him another fight in 2012. Fighting once a year is not enough for Alistair. Alistair wasnt going to be able to fight in September due to injuries so they cut him. By the end of October, his injuries would have been healed though. Strikeforce made the call to cut him, not Alistair. United Glory offered him the opportunity to fight and not being on the side and wait for months before he could fight again. I really think the fans should be happy with this.
MF: What was the reason that Alistair did not want to fight on the Strikeforce tournament in september? There are some different stories out there so what is the real deal?
Martijn: Alistair really wanted to participate and win the Strikeforce tournament. Its a prestigious tournament and he was very happy to be part of it. He also had the best papers to win this tournament according to many fans and off course we believed it as well. The problem is that he is injured and not able to be ready and fight on september 10th in the semi finals. Don't forget that Big Foot Silva is a very dangerous fighter so Alistair needs to be 100%. Also we have doctors statements to proof he is injured and can't be ready for september 10th. Look on Alistair Overeem - An Online Documentary and check out the latest episode. Strikeforce decided then to replace him by Cormier.
So here it is, the first reaction from Golden Glory head trainer Martijn de Jong. Its a real shame to see the HW Champion being cut due to an injury. His focus will be on the event in Moskow now that will take place at the end of october. No opponent is know yet but lets hope that United Glory can sign a top 10 fighter for this event.
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