While the coronavirus pandemic has had a negative effect on just about every facet of life in the United States and Canada, it has transformed this week into one of the best ever for mixed martial arts fans and bettors. That’s because UFC president Dana White wanted badly to grab the sporting spotlight while he could, so he’s staging three cards over a seven-day period – all at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida, and with no fans in attendance.
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The last of those three is Saturday’s Fight Night event headlined by Alistair Overeem and Walt Harris meeting in a heavyweight bout. They are ranked No. 8 and 9, respectively, in the division; Stipe Miocic is the champion.
At age 39, Overeem (45-18) is near the end of a likely Hall of Fame career. The Dutchman is a former Strikeforce and DREAM heavyweight champion, not to mention a one-time world kickboxing champ. He fought Miocic for the UFC heavyweight crown at UFC 203 in September 2016 but lost by first-round knockout.