• UFC

Lesnar back in December against Overeem

ESPN staff
September 7, 2011
Brock Lesnar was left beaten and bloodied by Cain Velasquez © Getty Images
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Brock Lesnar will make his return to the Octagon on December 30 after a deal was struck for him to take on former Strikeforce heavyweight champion Alistair Overeem.

Lesnar is a huge draw in UFC, but his career had been in doubt since his defeat to Cain Velasquez last October. UFC president Dana White said recently that Lesnar would not return to action until next year, but that has been brought forward after terms were agreed for a huge fight at the MGM Grand Garden.

"Former Strikeforce heavyweight champion Alistair Overeem has found a new home - in the UFC," read a statement from UFC. "After signing a deal with the promotion, he will make his Octagon debut on December 30th at the MGM Grand Garden Arena against former UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar."

Lesnar has fought just twice since being diagnosed with diverticulitis in late 2009 - beating Shane Carwin to claim the UFC heavyweight title before losing it to Velasquez - and had surgery in May.

Overeem is a Dutch kickboxing champion who won the Strikeforce heavyweight title and is now looking to make his mark in UFC.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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