Alistair Overeem responds to Bas Rutten and Golden Glory

“First, Alistair believes that the split between himself and Golden Glory should be kept between the parties,” the statement reads. “Although he has been tempted to expose ongoing problems with Golden Glory’s business, its poor relationship with some of its remaining fighters, and the deep betrayal he has experienced in recent years, he has chosen not to air the specifics of those facts.”

The statement goes on to list several other reasons for Overeem keeping quiet, including the need to focus on his December fight with Brock Lesnar, a desire not to disrupt Golden Glory’s business operations, and that “commenting on the litigation lacks professionalism.”

“Golden Glory continues to take action by press release, through public comment and in the litigation in an apparent attempt to derail Alistair’s career,” the statement asserts. “Now that Alistair has defeated Brock Lesnar, he feels compelled to speak up.”

Overeem publicly severed ties with the Dutch gym — of which he had been a member for 11 years — last September but did not reveal a specific reason for the split, instead alluding to “a breach of trust” and a desire to keep “dirty laundry” private in a series of posts on Twitter. In November, the former Strikeforce champion filed a lawsuit against Knock Out Investments (KOI) seeking $151,000 in monies owed and a court order to break his contract with Golden Glory. KOI responded with a December suit alleging breach of contract.

KOI and Golden Glory on Dec. 30 obtained a pre-judgment in Clark County, Nev., to garnish Overeem’s wages for his UFC 141 main event against Lesnar in Las Vegas. Overeem was paid in full for the bout by the UFC, however, after KOI was unable to post a required $200,000 bond.

“We can say that Alistair and his legal team are very confident in the legal positions he has taken or will take in the California and Nevada litigation. Alistair is looking forward to having a judge or jury determine the merits of his position in this litigation.

“Although overtures regarding resolution of the lawsuits have been made by Golden Glory, Alistair believes it is important to see this matter to conclusion, not just for himself, but for other Golden Glory fighters, the UFC and its fans.”

Sherdog.com on Tuesday obtained a formal statement issued by Overeem, 31, through the Los Angeles law firm of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, LLP.