UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic has hinted that he’s ready to return, and the division’s top contenders couldn’t be happier.
Miocic took to Twitter on Sunday to say that “the time has come” for him to finally defend his title, which drew a reaction from both former champion Daniel Cormier and top contender Francis Ngannou.
When the coronavirus outbreak arrived to the U.S., Miocic made it clear that he was not willing to compete because of his obligation as a first responder and the fact that his home state of Ohio shut down non-essential businesses, which meant he couldn’t train properly even if he wanted to.
Since regaining the title last August, Miocic (19-3 MMA, 13-3 UFC) has been expected to complete his trilogy with Cormier (22-2 MMA, 11-2 UFC) this summer, and it appears they’re one step closer to booking a date.
Cormier couldn’t contain his excitement, responding to Miocic’s tweet with perhaps a double entendre.
you’re done !
Ngannou (15-3 MMA, 10-2 UFC), on the other hand, is just happy to see the division could finally move on so he can get another crack at the title.
It’s been almost a year now so stop fighting on social media and sign the contract on your desks and let’s move on #UNCROWNEDCHAMP
Ngannou’s fast rise in the UFC resulted in a 2018 title shot against Miocic, but he was quickly shut down by the champion, who dominated five rounds for a unanimous decision win. Since then, Ngannou has won four of five fights and is on a winning streak, with all four of his wins coming by first-round knockout.
Miocic, who holds the record for most title defenses in UFC heavyweight history at three, eventually was stopped by Cormier at UFC 226 in 2018. He regained his title in the rematch one year later at UFC 241, finishing Cormier in the fourth round to set up the highly anticipated trilogy.
UFC champ Stipe Miocic hints he's ready to return; Daniel Cormier, Francis Ngannou react
