Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic will sit down with the promotion and see if they can hash things out.
Miocic (20-4) has not competed since losing his title via second-round knockout (KO) to Francis Ngannou (16-3) at UFC 260, which took place inside the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sat., March 27. Miocic and the UFC have had a shaky relationship dating back to when he lost — before subsequently reclaiming — the UFC Heavyweight title to Daniel Cormier in 2018. Recently, the fighter of Croatian descent teased a move to ONE Championship.
“We’re going to have a sit down here in September with [UFC President] Dana [White],” Miocic told MMA Junkie. “We’ll figure it out from there… We’ll hopefully figure that out in the next month. We’ll get there. Dana has been texting me and everything is in negotiations.”
Miocic is 1-1 in his series against Ngannou and would like an immediate rematch; however, he is willing to discuss other options.
“That’s what I would love,” he said. “I don’t know if I would (say title fight or bust). I’m definitely aiming for that. I’m not crying about it or anything, but I just feel like I deserve it.”
Miocic has yet to watch back his sophomore outing against Ngannou.
“I haven’t watched it yet,” he explained. “I will eventually. I haven’t yet. A lot of things could be better. Unfortunately, it was his night. He caught me with a good punch. What are you going to do? It’s the fight game.”
If a fight with Ngannou does not materialize, Miocic would like to welcome former UFC Light Heavyweight champion Jon Jones to the land of giants.
“I’ll fight anyone,” Miocic said. “I’ve said that from Day One. I’ll fight anyone… I’ll fight anyone they put in front of me, but that’s what you aim for, one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters of all time. He’d be a great athlete to have on my resume.”
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