Alistair Overeem Team Got Therapeutic Use Exemption For IV Use; Won UFC 209 Against Mark Hunt Despite Food Poisoning
Alistair Overeem never revealed that he had food poisoning the day before he fought Mark Hunt on UFC 209. The MMA fighter hit Hunt with a knee on the face move that won the match. "The Reem" was hospitalized after vomiting several times and was reported to have received IV fluids that were under TUE or therapeutic use exception.
Dana White came to the defense of Overeem during the post-fight conference saying that the fighter never told anyone what he was going through. White calls Alistair Overeem's situation a struggle.
Dana White told the press that Alistair Overeem had to be placed on IVF treatment because he was vomiting as a result of food poisoning. At one point, he said, Alistair was afraid to leave the hospital room because he can't stop throwing up, MMA Junkie reported.
White was all praises for Overeem since he did not want to turn the fight down. White recently had to deal with a canceled main event between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson at UFC 209.
Alistair Overeem's team made sure that the fighter did not violate any rules of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency or USADA. IVs are banned under USADA's rules so his team had to arrange for his treatment to fall under a TUE. Meanwhile, Overeem admitted that he still felt sick before he stepped in to fight Hunt.
Nevada State Athletic Commission Executive Director Bob Bennett also defended Overeem after the fight saying that the fighter's use of IVs was confirmed and was executed properly. Bennett added that he had one of his doctors examine Alistair Overeem before the match began and he found the fighter fit and ready.
Dana White was very thankful for Alistair Overeem for keeping his word and not turning down the fight, MMA Mania reported. "The Reem's" performance was described as not as explosive as his previous ones. Reports said that he just managed to find a flaw in the "Super Samoan's" defense and clipped him with a knee in the face. But knowing what he has gone through hours before the fight made his win deserving indeed.
Alistair Overeem still managed to show up for the post-fight conference but seems to be looking tired than usual. Dana White let him rest and answered questions on his behalf
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