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Stipe Miocic is not changing his approach to becoming heavyweight champion after scoring the biggest win of his career against Daniel Cormier at UFC 252.
Miocic (20-3 MMA, 14-3 UFC) wrapped up his legendary trilogy with Cormier (22-3 MMA, 11-3 UFC) headlining Saturday at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas on the triumphant end, taking a unanimous decision to defend his heavyweight belt after the pair division results in the first two fights.
UFC President Dana White said ahead of the event that the contest would determine the greatest heavyweight in MMA history. Miocic is proud to own this label, he said, but the credit goes to his support system.
“Look, I’ve done a lot. It wasn’t just me, though, ”Miocic told reporters including MMA Junkie after the fight at UFC 252.“ It was my coaches, my wife, my amazing family, my friends. They have always supported me and supported me no matter what. I miss a lot of fun things, especially family matters. It kills me inside to miss a lot of things like this. It kills me.
“Graduation parties, baptisms. I couldn’t go. It would kill me, but the best part is no one ever judged me. They have always supported me and understood what I do. Without the people around me that I surround myself with, my amazing family, friends, coaches and teammates, I wouldn’t be here.
Miocic was knocked out by Cormier in the first meeting in 2018. He earned a knockout victory in the rematch in 2019. Miocic was consistent for all five rounds of the third meeting, and he said a good departure was the key.
“(The key to success was) not to start out like a jerk,” Miocic said. “I started really well at the start of the fight. He got me down, but I got up and I was happy. He caught me off guard with a good head start. I was not worried about it. He did well. He’s a good fighter and he made me doubt myself, so I had to make him guess himself.
Following Miocic’s victory, White nominated Francis Ngannou as the next suitor. Miocic holds a victory in January 2018 against “The Predator”, but Ngannou came back strong with a 4-1 record, including four consecutive knockouts in the first round. UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones also made noise about a potential jump after the fight.
Miocic, in classic fashion, did not lean in any way. He said staying on top was the priority and he would face all comers.
“I’m going to fight anyone,” Miocic said. “I do not care. I like what I do.”
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