Overeem: ‘Werdum doesn't want anything to do with me’

In the immediate aftermath of Fabricio Werdum remarkable upset win against Fedor Emelianenko - a win that snapped the Russian heavyweight decade-long win streak - the Brazilian stepped into the Strkeforce cage against Alistair Overeem for a rematch of their PRIDE Total Elimination Absolute bout in 2006.

It was an anticipated affair given the trajectories of the two respective heavyweights and the fact that the winner of the rematch would reach the semi-final stage of the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix tournament.

Unfortunately, the contest was a sorely lackluster one.

However, much has changed for Werdum since his loss to Overeem. He has since compiled a six-fight win streak, all of which took place under the UFC banner. Most recently, Werdum won the UFC heavyweight title with a third round submission against Cain Velasquez.

With all that in mind, Overeem was complimentary about his former foe.

"I do have to say that Werdum has made a terrific development since I beat him," Overeem admitted on Chael Sonnen's podcast. "Actually even before that since he beat Fedor Emelianenko. He was already on the right track. Quite a development. He's a good striker now. He's got a very good game plan. A very good team at KINGS MMA in Los Angeles. I'm very much looking forward to fighting him again.

Nevertheless, while Overeem respects Werdum's recent achievements, he made it abundantly clear that he believes the Brazilian has no interest in a trilogy fight against him.

"I definitely get satisfaction of that [win]," said Overeem. "I also know that Werdum doesn't like me. He doesn't want to fight me. I'm the kind of guy ... I can beat you. I can beat any heavyweight. Of course, that strikes fear in them. I pay attention to what people say, what heavyweight fighters say in the UFC. Werdum doesn't want anything to do with me, either."

Transcription taken from MMAFighting.com.