Stipe Miocic has opened up about his feelings of never getting his opportunity at redemption against Francis Ngannou.
The pair of heavyweight legends shared two fantastic fights, in which both men were able to make massive statements.
Stipe Miocic wanted to settle the score once and for all with Francis Ngannou
On January 20, 2018, Stipe Miocic took on the most intimidating prospect in all of MMA — Francis Ngannou.
With ‘The Predator’ having brutally knocked out every fighter who’d dared set foot in the cage with him, many expected the Cleveland striker to succumb to the same fate.
However, the reality was anything but, with the legend utilizing his formidable wrestling to dominate Ngannou en route to a unanimous decision victory.
But by the time they met three years later, the Cameroonian had vastly improved his grappling skills, and Miocic was edging past his prime.
Flyweight icons: Adriano Moraes reflects on his rivalry with ‘Mighty Mouse’ ahead of ONE 169
In the rematch, Ngannou knocked his rival brutally old cold to claim the greatest prize in the sport, leaving the former champion desperate for revenge.
But despite his best efforts, Ciryl Gane got the next shot at the belt.
In an interview with MMA Fighting, Miocic tried to explain why that ended up being the case.
He said: “I was trying to get the rubber match. It didn’t happen, unfortunately.
“Listen, I’m a fighter; I don’t work for the UFC, internally and figure out their match-making. But, It’s what they wanted to do, and that’s what they did.”
Miocic was then asked if he’s disappointed that the third and final fight never occured.
He confessed: “Yeah, of course, because I wanted the rubber match. But also, I understand he’s doing better for himself and his family. I’m not mad at him; he’s doing great.
“Yeah, I’m ok with letting it go. I get it. As much as I would love to fight him, I wish him nothing but the best. It is what it is. We’re 1-1. He got the last one, unfortunately.”
MMA legend says Stipe Miocic has a massive advantage over Jon Jones
While Miocic never got his shot at avenging his defeat to Ngannou, he will have another opportunity to regain the heavyweight throne.
On November 16, the Croatian-American will go head-to-head with Jon Jones at UFC 309 in Madison Square Garden, New York, USA.
However, many believe that at this stage of his career, taking the belt off ‘Bones’ might be a bridge too far.
But one MMA legend has spotted a clear area in which Miocic is apparently better than his opponent.
This will surprise you: Randy Couture has wild pick for the greatest MMA fighter of this era