Stipe Miocic has broken his silence following his defeat to Jon Jones at UFC 309, with the legend revealing whether he’s truly done with mixed martial arts.
In an astonishing career, the Croatian-American has cemented his place as one of the greatest heavyweights to have ever graced the octagon.
Stipe Miocic officially retires from MMA with heartfelt statement
Blessed with ferocious power, incredible heart and a sensational resume, Stipe Miocic has written his name into the MMA history books.
In an astonishing run at the top of the division, the Cleveland brawler gave fans memories that will last a lifetime, from his remarkable upset victory over Fabricio Werdum in Brazil to the clinic he put on Francis Ngannou in their first encounter.
At UFC 309, it was evident that at 42 years of age, Miocic is no longer the fighter he used to be, with his fans forever left wondering if he could’ve beaten Jon Jones in his prime.
But regardless, while Saturday didn’t go how he’d have liked, the firefighter’s legacy is already carved in stone.
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Ultimately, Miocic is an ordinary man with an extraordinary talent, capturing the hearts of fans around the world. And now, with his time in the octagon said and done, he’s sent a fond farewell to everyone who’s supported him on his journey.
He posted on Instagram: “Let me start this post by saying I am good. Been through a lot worse. I hope everybody enjoyed the show on Saturday. What an incredible way to go out! I started this journey fighting in local bowling alleys & ended it selling out Madison Square Garden. It truly doesn’t get better than that.
“Sorry I didn’t get the W, but you can’t get em all. Sometimes, it’s not your night, that is the nature of the beast. You can’t plan a perfect ending in this sport, but I guess the perfect ending is to have been lucky enough to do it at all. You all have given me so much, and I hope I did you all proud—Croatia & Cleveland, Ohio, especially. I felt all of you with me at every battle.
“To Marcus Marinelli and the Strongstyle team. We started together, we finished together. We cried together & we bled together. If people only knew the whole story of everything we have been through… we could write a pretty bada** novel.
“There is nobody else I would have shared this journey with… the best part is that we are family forever… Marcus, I know my father has passed. But I also know he appreciates you stepping in and being the father figure I needed in my life.
“You dedicated years of your life to me. We made history based on a dream, and you had a vision. Now, we have more time to drink wine and play euchre while making fun of Bobby because he is terrible at defending himself.
“To my opponents, thank you all. I learned something from every single one of you. It was an honor to go to war, brothers.
“To my wife, you are my rock. The ship doesn’t sail without you. You sacrificed so much for this dream, and I love you. God knew I needed you & you motivate me more than anyone! I will miss hanging up on you on Embedded, but there’s YouTube for that.
“To my kids, everything I have ever done is all for the two of you. To my Mom, I know this isn’t the career you would have chosen for me, but you have always been in my corner since day one.. it was me & you. To my Vayner sports family, you guys are the best in the business!”
‘He’s destroyed his legacy’… Former UFC title challenger fires shots at Jon Jones for ‘ducking’ Tom Aspinall
While the MMA story of the great Miocic has come to an end, Jones’ journey is still yet to reach its final destination, with the combat sports community desperate for the heavyweight champion to fight Tom Aspinall.
The interim title-holder has destroyed every man who’s dared set foot in the octagon with him, going above and beyond to earn his shot at the throne.
However, despite this, ‘Bones’ has shown very little appetite for a showdown, which has prompted one former UFC title contender to claim that the 37-year-old has damaged his reputation beyond repair.
Sheesh: Jon Jones slapped a security guard during a truly bizarre walkout for one of his UFC fights