I just returned from UFC 93 and have an interesting tidbit. As those who have attended a live event know, there is usually a 20 to 30 minute break between the preliminary and main card. I used this time to visit briefly with Alistair Overeem who along with Semmy Schilt caused quite a stir in the O2. I asked him when we'd see him in the Octagon and he replied, "I don't know but it might be sooner then you think."
This came about five minutes after he spoke with Dana White cageside and it seems that both want it to happen. My thoughts are that Overeem will debut at UFC 99 in Germany and there is a possibility that Schilt will as well. It makes perfect sense as both are from the Netherlands and the event will be held in Cologne, Germany only hours away. Plus the UFC does not have a TV presence in Germany like they do in the U.K. so it will need to rely heavily on "hometown" fighters.
Obviously the promotion has established itself in both England and Ireland (and by the way the Irish fans were great) and it will want to maintain the momentum with the jump to Germany. The best way to ensure ticket sales are not sluggish is to load the card with guys like Overeem, Schilt, and of course Dennis Siver who fights out of Mannheim, Germany. The UFC also has an opportunity to target U.S. Military personnel stationed in Germany. However with the event being held in Cologne it will be a pretty good distance from many of the Military fans. So based on all this it makes perfect sense that Overeem and maybe other established fighters from the region will make their UFC debuts/returns at 99.
Then again, as Overeem said, "...it might be sooner then you think."
DeLeah Caro
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