Table of Contents
- Overeem's Weight Loss Journey
- Career Highlights
- Impact of Veganism
- Current Lifestyle and Activities
- Reflections on His Career
MMA legend Alistair Overeem shed nearly TWO STONE and rejuvenated his battered body by adopting a significant fasting regimen and eliminating meat from his diet.
Overeem, who began his kickboxing career at the age of 17, has participated in almost 100 bouts across various disciplines.
Alistair Overeem is now retired from MMACredit: Getty
The Dutch fighter secured titles in both MMA and kickboxing before ultimately retiring from his illustrious career in 2023, a year after his last fight.
His body had reached its limits, prompting Overeem to desperately seek solutions to repair his increasingly worn-out physique.
However, when all else failed, he turned to veganism and was pleasantly surprised to feel revitalized.
He shared with SunSport: “A year before that fight, I sustained an injury to my lower back.
“I underwent numerous ice baths and physical therapy, but after the fight, the pain returned.”
“It was a severe injury, and after my last fight, I attempted to return to training, but my body simply refused to cooperate.”
“As a last resort, I embraced veganism, eliminating all animal protein, and something remarkable happened. I committed to it for a year and a half, and my body healed while I lost muscle mass.”
“This decision led me away from fighting; I lost the desire to return, but it did facilitate my healing.”
Now 45, Overeem lost over 10kg by adopting a vegan lifestyle but admits he regained it after marrying his wife Sophie in May.
The former UFC heavyweight, though no longer competing, maintains his fitness through rigorous ice baths and other methods.
He stated: “I got married last May and then I put on some weight! I enjoy experimenting, which has become a part of my identity.”
“Currently, I am practicing regular fasting. There are numerous benefits; I have tried five days of fasting, including three days of dry fasting. It’s incredible.”
Overeem expresses contentment from the sidelines, showing no interest in pursuing a lucrative boxing career like many other fighters have done.
At Brave 100 in Bahrain, he remarked: “I’m free from stress. Fighting comes with stress. The build-up, the training camps, competing, and fighting all create extreme stress.”
“It has been a wonderful and magnificent journey; I’ve traveled the world. But now it’s time to step away from that. That’s where I’ve been for the last three years.”
“Transitioning out of fighting is easier said than done; fighting was fantastic for me, but I’ve had my share of battles. Now, it’s time to assist others in winning their battles.”
He now has a much slimmer physique
Frequently Asked Questions
What motivated Alistair Overeem to adopt a vegan diet?
Overeem turned to veganism as a last resort to heal his body after sustaining a severe lower back injury and finding that traditional recovery methods were ineffective.
How much weight did Overeem lose after going vegan?
Overeem lost over 10kg (approximately 22 pounds) after adopting a vegan lifestyle.
Is Alistair Overeem planning to return to fighting?
No, Overeem has expressed that he is content in retirement and prefers to help others rather than return to the stress of fighting.
