UFC
Frank Mir wants Junior dos Santos at UFC 146 if Alistair Overeem is out [UPDATE]
Apr 4, 2012 - 8:30:21 PM Frank Mir wants Junior dos Santos at UFC 146 if Alistair Overeem is out [UPDATE]

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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

It's only been a short time since news of Alistair Overeem's failed steroid test for UFC 146 came out, and already one fighter has officially thrown his name in the mix to take his spot for the UFC Heavyweight Championship.

Former Champion Frank Mir, who is set to take on Cain Velasquez on the UFC 146 card, says he's ready to go against Junior dos Santos is Overeem is out of that fight.

"I would be excited if given the opportunity to compete for the UFC's heavyweight title at UFC 146 if the reports released earlier today regarding Alistair Overeem failing his 'A' sample drug test are true," Mir said in a statement released by his management group.

"I have been fortunate to be able to fight in the UFC for more than a decade, and it is a dream of mine to become the first three-time heavyweight champion in the UFC. Being able to fight Junior dos Santos would put me one step closer to that dream."

Penick's Analysis: Mir is the opponent that makes the most sense right now. He's won four of his last five, and seven of his last nine fight. He's riding a three fight winning streak, and he just broke Antonio Minotauro Nogueira's arm in his last fight. Had Overeem not beaten Brock Lesnar in December, Mir would have likely gotten this fight anyway. If Overeem is out, Mir's the guy to give it to.

UPDATE: If Alistair Overeem is taking out of his title fight with dos Santos, UFC President Dana White is on board with Mir taking his spot. Responding to a fan on Twitter who said Mir should get the shot, White stated "I do not disagree with you."

[Frank Mir art by Grant Gould (c) MMATorch.com]