Former UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic has hinted at leaving the promotion in favour of joining ONE Championship.
Earlier this year, Miocic lost his UFC heavyweight title in dramatic fashion after being knocked out by Francis Ngannou in the second round of their rematch. Stipe, who also lost his belt to Daniel Cormier in 2018 before regaining it, seems to believe that he should be entitled to an immediate rematch and trilogy fight against ‘The Predator’.
Instead, Cyril Gane and Derrick Lewis are set to square off in a UFC interim heavyweight championship bout, leaving Miocic to watch and wait for his next opportunity.
Could Miocic leave the UFC?
ONE Championship’s Chatri Sityodtong, meanwhile, put up a post on Instagram in which he asked fans who he should try and sign for the Asian promotion.
Miocic himself posted a series of “curiosity” emojis before outright declaring that he shouldn’t have to wait for the chance to reclaim UFC gold.
“I shouldn’t have to wait for a winner, I have the most heavyweight title defenses of all time… we’re 1:1 but DC got instant rematches and trilogies against me?” He then added.
Miocic has been known to have his problems with the Ultimate Fighting Championship in the past, but at the age of 38 with his 39th birthday coming next month, there’s a real threat of him missing his chance by waiting in the wings for too long.
There’s also the looming presence of Jon Jones to consider as the majority of fans are dying to see Ngannou defend his belt against ‘Bones’ if Francis can get through the Gane/Lewis winner. Alas, in heavyweight mixed martial arts, nothing is a guarantee.
That fight between Ciryl Gane and Derrick Lewis is set to headline UFC 265 on August 7 at the Toyota Center in Houston.
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