By FCF Staff
Off the heels of Alistair Overeem’s withdrawal from the Strikeforce Grand Prix Heavyweight Tournament, United Glory announced today that it will be returning to Moscow, Russia with its hybrid MMA and kickboxing series in October.  The headliners – none other than Overeem and Sergei Kharitonov, who is scheduled to face Josh Barnett in the semifinal round of the Strikeforce tournament on Sept. 10.

The announcement of the event featuring Overeem who, despite his exit from the tournament, remains the reigning Strikeforce Heavyweight Champion, is the latest twist in the saga involving Overeem and the Strikeforce tournament.  United Glory is operated by Overeem’s management company, Golden Glory, in Holland.

FCF was unable to reach Golden Glory representatives for comment.

Overeem, who was largely the favorite to win the Strikeforce tournament that kicked off on Feb. 12 in New Jersey, on Showtime, pulled out of the tournament last week due to a reported toe injury that would prohibit him from being able to step into the cage for his scheduled semifinal round tournament bout with Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva on Sept. 10.  Overeem went on the record stating that he would be able to return to the cage in Oct

In his quarterfinal round matchup on June 18, Overeem was victorious over Fabricio Werdum by way of unanimous judges decision.