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Overeem 'confident' over test case, says manager

Alistair Overeem has some explaining to do © Getty Images

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Heavyweight Alistair Overeem is reportedly confident the Nevada State Athletic Commission will grant him a licence to fight UFC champion Junior dos Santos in May, despite a recent failed drugs test.

Overeem's title shot was thrust into doubt after he failed a pre-fight drugs test at the start of the month, with tests showing a highly abnormal 14:1 testosterone-to-epitestosterone ratio. The Dutchman goes before the Commission on April 24, and is apparently optimistic that he will be given the licence to go ahead and fight Dos Santos.

His manager, Glenn Robinson, spoke to a reporter from InsideMMA, Robert Kruck, about the ongoing process and his client's outlook.

"He said that Overeem is respectful for the Commission's process, and he is very hopeful that he will be granted his licence," Kruck recalled. "The entire team is very confident that he will be facing Junior dos Santos come May 26.

"Now, Robinson also wanted to make it very clear that despite other reports, Overeem did not test high for testosterone. Rather, his testosterone-to-epitesosterone ratio was off, and he has a reasonable explanation for why that is, which he will present to the Commission next Tuesday."

According to Kruck, Overeem has not yet used testosterone replacement therapy as his explanation for the questionable test - as other fighters have done in the past - but that is not to say he will not eventually use that defence.

"Some have speculated that Overeem may use the defense of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), as a defense we have seen several fighters use before, but speaking to [NSAC managing director Keith] Kizer, he has said Overeem has not applied for a TRT exemption," Kruck added. "That doesn't mean he still can't. He has time to do that.

"As long as he does so and gives the Commission's doctors reasonable time to deal with the situation."

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