NSAC's Response To UFC Promoting Alistair Overeem

Source: MMA Junkie

As Alistair Overeem (36-11-1 NC) continues to sit out his suspension, the UFC has begun promoting his first fight back. Overeem is expected to challenge Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva (17-4) in the first PPV of 2013 at UFC 156.

Due to the suspension Overeem can reapply for a fight license on December 27, though any fighter looking for a license for 2013 may begin doing so on December 1 according to NSAC Executive Director Keith Kizer. This means Overeem can seek out a fight license 26 days ahead of his suspension's conclusion.

"As long as the fight was after the suspension ended, there wouldn't be a problem with that," said Kizer to MMA Junkie. "But obviously a fighter fighting while on suspension somewhere else, I wouldn't approve the fight."

Kizer noted that there was no guarantee the NSAC would allow him to fight. Dana White said that he is aware and the UFC will continue to promote Overeem's return.

On April 4 it was revealed that one of Overeem's surprise drug test came back with a 14-to-1 testerone, double the limit allowed. He was suspended for nine months and has since lost the heavyweight championship fight he earned in his UFC debut. That was at the end of December 2011 after defeating Brock Lesnar (5-3) into retirement.

Overeem is slated to return February 2 if all goes as planned.

Like FightLine.com on Facebook by clicking the "Like" button below: