UFC finally books Stipe Miocic vs. Daniel Cormier trilogy for August 15

The rubber match between Stipe Miocic and Daniel Cormier is finally set.

Miocic, the UFC heavyweight champion, will defend his title against former double champ Cormier on Aug. 15. The event, expected to be UFC 252, does not have an official location at this time.

UFC president Dana White revealed the booking Tuesday on ESPN’s “First Take.”

The booking comes after weeks of back-and-forth between the three parties involved: Miocic (19-3 MMA, 13-3 UFC), Cormier (22-2 MMA, 11-2 UFC) and, of course, the UFC. The fight has been in the UFC’s plans since August 2019 when Miocic took back the title from Cormier at UFC 241.

An eye injury to Miocic rendered him unable to fight for months as he recovered and underwent a surgical procedure. In early 2020, Miocic indicated he was close to returning. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, Miocic, a firefighter and paramedic in Ohio, put fighting on hold to serve on the frontlines.

The decision drew criticism from UFC president Dana White, who implied the division couldn’t be put on hold while Miocic wasn’t fighting. Cormier also expressed he was growing increasingly impatient. Miocic countered by pointing to the state of Ohio’s closure of all non-essential businesses, including gyms.

With pandemic restrictions rolling back, Miocic is ready to once again compete.

With the addition, the Aug. 15 lineup includes:

Champ Stipe Miocic vs. Daniel Cormier – for heavyweight title
Livia Renata Souza vs. Ashley Yoder