Stipe Miocic hoped to complete his trilogy with former heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou before turning his attention toward Jon Jones.
On November 11, Miocic, 41, will make his long-awaited return to the Octagon to headline the UFC’s 30th-anniversary showcase emanating from the world’s most famous arena, Madison Square Garden. In the main event of the evening, Miocic will attempt to capture the heavyweight world title for an unprecedented third time when he challenges the division’s reigning king, Jon ‘Bones’ Jones.
Despite the bout being touted as the biggest matchup in heavyweight history, Stipe Miocic admittedly wanted a different fight for his big return to the Octagon.
“I really wanted to have a rematch with Francis [Ngannou],” Miocic told the New York Post. “Unfortunately, he left for bigger and better things, so good for him. After that, all I wanted was Jon Jones.”
Ngannou exited the UFC in January after almost two years of contract negotiations that left the two parties at a standstill. ‘The Predator’ was ultimately granted his release and has since signed a ground-breaking deal with the Professional Fighters League. Ngannou is also scheduled to make his pro boxing debut in October as he is set to square off with heavyweight pugilist Tyson Fury.
“It definitely sucks, I definitely wanted that trilogy, but unfortunately, that’s the way the cookie crumbles,” Miocic continued. “Listen, he’s onto bigger and better things. On paper, Tyson Fury is one of the best boxers of all time, but Francis hits really hard. It’s a fight, anything can happen. I wish him all the best. I hope he shocks the world.”
"I hit a lot harder than people think."
Stipe Miocic on people doubting him against Jon Jones pic.twitter.com/lhCZirbIX4
— Bloody Elbow (@BloodyElbow) September 19, 2023
Stipe Miocic and Francis Ngannou Will Likely End Their Rivalry with One Win Apiece
Stipe Miocic and Francis Ngannou have competed inside the Octagon twice, the first coming at UFC 220 in 2018. On that night, Miocic saw his hand raised after stifling Ngannou’s offense for five rounds, earning a unanimous decision in the process. Two years later, they would meet again at UFC 260. This time, ‘The Predator’ would come out on top after landing a vicious left hook that sent Miocic crashing to the canvas less than 60 seconds into the second round.
Ngannou went on to defend the heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane but exited the company shortly after in pursuit of greener pastures.
For Miocic, UFC 295 will likely be his MMA swan song, win or lose, guaranteeing that Ngannou and himself will be forever deadlocked at 1-1.
Watch the full interview below:
