Morning: Dana White comments on the launch of Junior dos Santos and Alistair Overeem: ‘We had a great race’

Earlier this week, UFC fans were taken aback when two legends of the sport were released from the promotion. On Wednesday, former UFC heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos and former Strikeforce heavyweight champion Alistair Overeem were dismissed amid continued cuts in the UFC squad and, speaking to TMZ Sports, UFC president Dana White explained the company’s decision to part ways with two of its most recognizable names.

“Nothing happened behind the scenes,” said White. “Both are excellent guys, who have had incredible careers here. First of all, people are cut off every week. I think these two are pretty self-explanatory. It’s nothing negative, it’s just part of the sport. If you look at what they’ve done recently, look at their age, look at everything that’s going on, it’s pretty self-explanatory. “

Dos Santos and Overeem are just the latest in a series of high and low profile UFC releases. In December, White promised that “serious cuts” would come to the squad that had increased to more than 700 fighters. Since then, the UFC has separated from names like Anderson Silva and Yoel Romero and, like these two, White insists that there was no animosity in the decision to release Santos and Overeem. In fact, White had nothing but good things to say about the two legends.

“It doesn’t even come close,” White said when asked about the influence of bad blood. “100 percent (this was friendly). We had a great race and we loved Alistair and the same with Junior dos Santos. Alistair Overeem never said no to a fight. He never refused a fight, he never said no, he would fight anyone. And Junior dos Santos is one of the nicest human beings in the sport. So, nothing but amazing things to say about the two guys. “

Dos Santos is a former heavyweight champion who has fought for the UFC for 12 years; however, he recently went through difficult times inside the octagon, losing his last four consecutive fights, all by knockout. That said, it is also important to note that his four previous opponents are currently ranked first, third, fourth and sixth in the world, respectively, in the UFC ranking and Santos himself was in 12th place. On the other hand, Overeem has been in a really good run lately. Currently UFC’s seventh heavyweight, last year Overeem scored two stoppage victories over the prospects for a raise before being knocked out by Alexander Volkov in February.

It seems that the most difficult point for the UFC was the age of the two future members of the Hall of Fame. At 37 and 40, respectively, dos Santos and Overeem certainly do not have many years left in their careers and those they do will hardly bear the same fruit as their younger years. As always in sports, Pai Tempo remains undefeated.

“It’s not even (our relationship) has taken its course,” concluded White. “The only thing, age takes us all. These guys are staying – I’m sitting here talking about how good they are, I don’t want to sit here and bite them, but listen, we’ve all grown old. We cut people every week. Every week, people come and go. “

For their part, Santos and Overeem welcomed the division, each commenting publicly and thanking the UFC for their time in the organization.

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Between the links.

Presser Staredowns.

Live broadcast of the press conference.

Integrated.

Transfer to Israel Adesanya.

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Jack Slack. Discussing the big fights at UFC 259.

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Family.

Prepare.

Props.

Excited about the fans.

Beef.

Askren taking time out of boxing to shoot Colby.

Wonderboy.

Good additions.

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Damir Hadzovic (13-6) vs. Nikolas Motta (12-3); UFC Fight Night, May 8.

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Thanks for reading, enjoy the fights and see you tomorrow.

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