Alistair Overeem to Make Boxing Debut Against Jimi Manuwa in Dubai

Alistair Overeem has fought under nearly every combat-sports rule set that mattered during his career. Conventional professional boxing was the missing one. That changes on Christmas Eve.

Most Valuable Promotions announced Thursday that Overeem will face fellow former UFC contender Jimi Manuwa in a six-round heavyweight boxing match on December 24 at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. The bout joins a card headlined by Jake Paul against Cedric Doumbe.

Overeem returns after four years away

Overeem, 46, has not competed since his October 2022 kickboxing match with Badr Hari. The result was later changed from an Overeem victory to a no contest after he failed a drug test. His fight with Manuwa will be his professional boxing debut, though calling him a novice striker would be silly. Overeem won the 2010 K-1 World Grand Prix and held heavyweight titles in Strikeforce and DREAM during a career that stretched across MMA and kickboxing.

"I'm starting a new chapter in boxing, and I'm not here to make up the numbers," Overeem said in MVP's announcement. He also named GLORY heavyweight champion Rico Verhoeven as the opponent he wants after Manuwa.

That second name can wait. Four years is a long layoff at any age, and boxing removes the knees, kicks and clinch offense that made Overeem such an unusual heavyweight. His size and high-level striking experience still make this more than a ceremonial debut.

Manuwa has one recent boxing win

Manuwa, also 46, retired from MMA in 2019 after finishing his UFC run with a 17-6 record. Fifteen of his wins came by knockout or technical knockout. He returned to competition in August and stopped former UFC heavyweight Chase Sherman in the second round of his professional boxing debut.

"After my win in Orlando, I wasn't looking for an easy opponent," Manuwa said. "On Christmas Eve, one of us is going to sleep, and it's not going to be me."

One pro boxing match does not make Manuwa a seasoned boxer, but the recent rounds matter. He has already gone through a boxing camp, made the walk and fought without falling back on MMA habits. Overeem has the deeper striking resume and is the natural heavyweight; Manuwa spent his UFC career at light heavyweight. Manuwa's best argument is sharper timing after competing just four months earlier.

Card and ticket details

The six-round fight sits beneath Paul-Doumbe, a cruiserweight boxing match that brings another decorated kickboxer into the ring. MVP said presale tickets open November 14, followed by the general sale on November 15. Broadcast details have not been announced.