Stipe Miocic is undoubtedly the most decorated heavyweight champion in UFC history. The fighter has already fought some of the best heavyweights in history and has won against them. One of his most recent rivalries was against Francis Ngannou, which unfortunately ended on a very disappointing note.
In 2018, Stipe Miocic was the reigning heavyweight champion and was challenged by a younger and more destructive Ngannou. Miocic won the first fight via unanimous decision, but that wasn’t the case in the rematch in 2021. This time the heavyweight GOAT got brutally knocked out. In a recent interview, Miocic talked about his old rival.
He’s doing better for himself and his family. I’m not mad at him… We’re 1-1 and that’s the way it will be. He got the last one, unfortunately.
Stipe Miocic via MMA Fighting
Miocic explained that after the defeat he wanted an immediate rematch; however, the UFC didn’t feel that way. Instead, Ngannou defended his belt against Ciryl Gane and later got injured, followed by his infamous departure from UFC. During this time, Miocic was away from fighting and was busy with his job as a first responder.
“He’s doing better for himself and his family. I’m not mad at him… We’re 1-1 and that’s the way it will be. He got the last one, unfortunately.” @StipeMiocic wishes former rival Francis Ngannou “nothing but the best” before his return at #UFC309 pic.twitter.com/03cyaJpR4g
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) November 4, 2024
The 42-year-old still regrets not getting an opportunity to end his rivalry with Ngannou. However, he is happy with his success after leaving the UFC, given that he shared a somewhat similar relationship with CEO Dana White. On the other hand, for the Cameroonian-French, losing against Miocic changed his fighting career.
Francis Ngannou talks about his loss against Stipe Miocic
Francis Ngannou fought Stipe Miocic at UFC 220, heavily promoted as the next big star in heavyweight MMA. Despite his knockout power, Ngannou’s inexperience showed against Miocic’s well-rounded skills and ground control. Miocic won by unanimous decision, utilizing his endurance to outlast Ngannou’s early pressure. UFC continued to promote Ngannou, recognizing his marketability and potential as a future champion.
It was an incredibly humbling experience for the ‘Predator’ who learned a lot from that loss and worked on his shortcomings. Ngannou’s later improvements in takedown defense and stamina led him to victory in their UFC 260 rematch. In an Instagram post, the fighter shared how the Miocic fight changed his life.
I learned more in one night than I’ve learned in the past four years in the sport. Without the loss, I’m not sure that I could’ve won in the rematch.
Francis Ngannou via Instagram
“I learned more in one night than I’ve learned in the past four years in the sport.”@francis_ngannou reflected on his loss to Stipe Miocic back in 2018. pic.twitter.com/zBEwTUsHHY
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) October 12, 2021
Since then, Ngannou has been unstoppable and successful in carrying the momentum outside the UFC. Despite his recent boxing losses, the fighter made sure to continue his MMA dominance in his PFL debut. It will be interesting to see whether Miocic and Ngannou will be able to finish their rivalry in the future.
