Alistair Overeem has been involved in combat sports for what feels like forever. He started competing in MMA in 1999 and fought on and off in kickboxing throughout the 2000s.

Now he's back in kickboxing and is set to take on Rico Verhoeven at Glory Collision 3 on October 23. The contest is a highly anticipated one with many excited to see who comes out on top.

Alistair Overeem is currently 41 years old and he understands that time is ticking. He doesn't have too much longer to compete in combat sports.

“I even think that my age is kind of limited,” Overeem told MMA Junkie. “I’m realistic about it. My end is also coming. It’s going to be my final year, then it’s over. It’s done. One year, one in a half. It needs to be wrapped up in a year and a half. 18 months – it needs to be over. We have to be realistic.”

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He is known for having achieved virtually everything you could dream of in the sport. Except for the UFC Championship.

It is too late now as he is no longer with the promotion. The UFC released Alistair Overeem earlier this year.

“I’m professional – I’m realistic,” Overeem said. “This is something the UFC can do after you lose. That is the terms of their contracts, they can release you from the contract. I’ve had a good time with the UFC. They can do this. Maybe it was time for the younger generation to come in. You can’t forget, I am 41 years old. I am getting a little bit older. If it was up to me I would’ve liked to finish in UFC, but it was not up to me.

“Only the UFC belt is missing from my wall. We were so close. It is what it is. If there would be one thing I could’ve changed or wanted it would be that UFC belt. But on the other hand (I had) so many beautiful victories. So many exciting moments. I’m proud about (my career there).”