I’m a UFC legend who once knocked out Brock Lesnar…but now I’m retiring from fighting to become a politician
UFC legend Alistair Overeem has retired from MMA to pursue a career in politics.
Overeem confirmed he will never step back inside the octagon with a post on announcing he has joined forces with Dutch party Belang van Nederland [BVNL].
The English-born Dutchman has put an end to a career spanning a whopping 22 years in the fight scene.
The 43-year-old bid farewell to his fans but promised he will continue to fight on the political stage.
Overeem posted: "With this post I will officially announce an end to my fighting career.
"I will be forever grateful for all the amazing people I got to meet and work with, all the opportunities given to me and the amazing places I got to venture out and see.
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"My fight just isn't over yet. I will continue my fight in the Dutch politics and in promoting mental & physical health all across the globe.
"Together with #BVNL and [party leader Wybren van Haga] I will fight my next in the Dutch politics to create freedom for the individual.
";Big love and thanks to everyone and everything that the sport has brought me.
"I will always continue to fight. Yours sincerely, Alistair Overeem."
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Overeem's first ever fight took place in 1999 in the Netherlands when he enjoyed a successful debut that led to a total of 47 wins and 19 losses out of 67 matches.
The heavyweight picked up some famous wins against various legends of the game, such as Brock Lesnar whom he knocked out at UFC 141 in 2011.
Overeem put an end to Lesnar's first stint with Dana White's promotion with that victory as the ex-UFC Heavyweight Champion crossed over to WWE permanently.