While the title shot, UFC career, and MMA licensing status of Alistair Overeem may hang in the balance, many have proposed Mark Hunt, another former K-1 champion, as a substitute contender. However, there may yet be another K-1 champion who could be ready to step up to the plate in Semmy Schilt, a four time K-1 champion and Pride veteran with a pro MMA record of 26-14-1.

Right now, for lack of big money fights in the wake of K-1's downfall, Schilt's talent has largely been wasted on publicity appearances in Japan and fights against lesser competition in Europe. A UFC title shot would see the return of the killer Semmy Schilt who knocked out Jerome Le Banner, Remy Bonjasky, and Badr Hari in one night in 2009--one of the fastest tournament runs in K-1 history.

For Junior dos Santos, Semmy Schilt would be a greater challenge than Overeem, a far more accomplished striker whose style has frustrated the best standup fighters in the world. Schilt would be without any doubt the best striker that JDS has faced. Schilt is also no stranger to the ground game, having won many of his MMA fights by submission. Stylistically, this would be a very solid match-up for JDS and a treat for Pride and K-1 fans. It is also very feasible as Schilt has expressed interest in returning to MMA and may be in a position to exercise the terms of his old Pride contract to get into the UFC, just like Mark Hunt.

If the UFC wants another striker with promotable credentials, Semmy Schilt may also be a solid option.