Overeem Returns To Boxing Against Manuwa At Paul Event

Alistair Overeem will return to combat sports after two years away, facing fellow UFC veteran Jimi Manuwa in a heavyweight boxing match on Jake Paul's Christmas Eve card at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai.

The six-round bout pits two 46-year-old former light heavyweights against each other, both known for finishing power during their UFC runs. Overeem last competed at Glory Collision 4 in late 2022, when his bout with Badr Hari was ruled a no contest, per MMA Mania.

Overeem Targets Verhoeven After Manuwa Fight

Overeem told reporters he views the matchup as the start of a new boxing chapter. "I've fought the best in the world, and I've been a world champion in multiple disciplines," he said. "Now I'm starting a new chapter in boxing, and I'm not here to make up the numbers." The former Strikeforce and DREAM heavyweight champion added that kickboxing star Rico Verhoeven is next on his list after Manuwa.

Manuwa last fought in August, stopping Chase Sherman under boxing rules at Duel Arena 1 in Orlando. He framed the Overeem booking as a deliberate choice to test himself against a credentialed opponent rather than take an easier fight after that win.

The Paul-Doumbé card marks another crossover event mixing YouTuber-boxer headliners with MMA names testing the ring. Overeem and Manuwa will weigh in as heavyweights ahead of the Dec. 24 bell time in Dubai.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Alistair Overeem returns to box UFC ‘Poster Boy’ at Jake Paul boxing event on Christmas Eve