Joe Scarnici / Getty Images for Bacardi

DALLAS, TX - FEBRUARY 04: Heavyweight Champion Alistair Overeem attends The Black Eyed Peas Super Bowl Party presented by Sports Illustrated and Bacardi at Music Hall At Fair Park on February 4, 2011 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images for Bacardi) *** Local Caption *** Alistair Overeem

It seemed impossible just earlier this month, but heavyweight Alistair Overeem may be fighting in the UFC sooner rather than later.

Overeem, along with Golden Glory teammates Marloes Coenen, Jon Olav Einemo and Valentijn Overeem, were released from their Zuffa contracts in early August after Dana White said he refused to pay the fighters through their management team.

However, at the UFC 134 post-fight press conference in Rio de Janeiro, White said the lines of communication between both sides are very much open.

"We're talking," White said. "You guys know how that whole thing went down. Golden Glory was in this position where we couldn't do business and they changed their position, which I respect. Now we can do business."

Apparently, according to White, Golden Glory is now open to the idea of direct payment to the fighters.

"We're never going to be in a situation where we pay managers and not fighters," White said. "We pay fighters, and fighters pay managers. We're never going to be in that situation. I don't care who the guy is."

Overeem is technically not a free agent since he is bound to an exclusive 120-day negotiation period with Zuffa. He was released following his Strikeforce heavyweight grand prix victory over Fabricio Werdum in June.

Of course, since Zuffa owns Strikeforce, Overeem could finally sign with the UFC at any moment, however, White wouldn't commit when asked which organization Overeem would fight should he re-sign with Zuffa.

"We'll see," White said. "We'll see what happens."

More news

Buda Mendes/Stf / Getty Images Contributor

Maynard wins, but 'fight sucked'

UFC President Dana White (above) embarrassed after Gray Maynard beat Clay Guida by split decision to win a lightweight bout and the main event of the UFC card in Atlantic City.

Rogerio Barbosa / AFP/Getty Images

Our latest MMA rankings

Can anyone top the big three of Silva, Jones, and GSP as the best pound-for-pounder fighter?

Barao beats Faber for 19th straight win

CALGARY, Alberta (AP) - Renan Barao won a unanimous decision against Urijah Faber at UFC 149 Saturday night for his 19th straight victory.

Headlines

• Label

Dos Santos keeps UFC heavyweight title

TUF finale: Welter-skelter

Big Country's big challenge

UFC star Jones charged with DWI

Event Primer: Strikeforce World Grand Prix Final Edition

Our newest Fantasy Matchmaker

Attack of the Korean Zombie

More Diaz, more problems

King Mo Signing Ignites Fight Wars

UFC announces TUF: Australia vs. UK