He was keen to get another match-up and very publicly turned down Chimaev at first, but is now more focused on getting out of his promotional contract. He is planning to launch his own promotion in the coming weeks and has insisted no amount of money from the UFC could convince him to stay.
That's because the UFC veteran has made some dramatic lifestyle changes, resulting in his retirement from combat sports. Overeem, 43, made the announcement casually during a June 1 appearance on Lovin Dubai that focused on his health. The interview resurfaced Tuesday (h/t Middle Easy).