UFC president Dana White confirmed Thursday he recently offered Overeem two options for a fight against Dos Santos, both of which he turned down.
The offers included a five-round main event fight in Brazil and a three-round co-main event in Las Vegas. Overeem (37-13), who defeated Frank Mir earlier this month at UFC 169, has cited a rib injury as to why he's currently not accepting.
"I bet you his rib wouldn't be hurt if we got Brock Lesnar," said White, referring to Overeem's recent callout of Lesnar, who is retired. "I bet you his rib would be fine, then.
"I offered him Dos Santos two different ways. He said, 'Yeah, I don't want five rounds in Brazil.' OK. No problem. Co-main in Vegas, three rounds? 'My rib hurts.' You guys come to whatever conclusion you want on that. I know what the truth is.
"I have a feeling this rib injury is going to last as long as it takes until Dos Santos has another opponent. That's what I'm willing to bet," White said. "This is going to be the longest rib injury ever. As soon as we get Dos Santos a fight, that rib will heal right up."
The offers included a five-round main event fight in Brazil and a three-round co-main event in Las Vegas. Overeem (37-13), who defeated Frank Mir earlier this month at UFC 169, has cited a rib injury as to why he's currently not accepting.
"I bet you his rib wouldn't be hurt if we got Brock Lesnar," said White, referring to Overeem's recent callout of Lesnar, who is retired. "I bet you his rib would be fine, then.
"I offered him Dos Santos two different ways. He said, 'Yeah, I don't want five rounds in Brazil.' OK. No problem. Co-main in Vegas, three rounds? 'My rib hurts.' You guys come to whatever conclusion you want on that. I know what the truth is.
"I have a feeling this rib injury is going to last as long as it takes until Dos Santos has another opponent. That's what I'm willing to bet," White said. "This is going to be the longest rib injury ever. As soon as we get Dos Santos a fight, that rib will heal right up."
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