It’s still not clear when we’ll see Stipe Miocic defend the UFC’s heavyweight title again. But, it looks like Miocic’s not going to bend to the pressure and criticism he’s been taking, for not committing to when he’ll fight next.
Miocic fires back at Daniel Cormier and critics
The Ohio fighter hasn’t fought since last August, when he avenged his 2018 loss to Cormier, by stopping him in round four. Earlier this year, the plan was to have Miocic – Cormier III go down this summer.
But, due to the coronavirus pandemic, Miocic says he’s been unable to train. In addition, the champ has said his responsibilities as a fireman and paramedic will take priority right now, on account of the pandemic.
So, Miocic hasn’t committed to fighting this summer, and he’s said fall or winter is more likely. This hasn’t sat well with Cormier and others.
The 37-year-old recently spoke with MMA Fighting, and while responding to his critics, Miocic said this.
“I don’t know what people want from me really,” Miocic said. “Everyone’s like ‘he’s holding the division’ and I’m like how am I holding up the division?
Other guys are saying ‘we can train.’ Well, good for you. You live in a different state, you have different regulations.
“My coach, no joke, shut his gym down. He wasn’t taking any dudes, no one’s paying anything cause it’s not fair to everyone.
They had a bunch of stuff outside the gym and a couple people, like five or six people were working out together, they were even six feet apart and someone saw that and reported it and he got cited by the CDC.
That’s how strict they are. So everyone can just shut up cause they’re idiots.”
And when asked about Cormier specifically, and his claim Miocic could train at home, the latter said this.
“I don’t really care what he thinks,” Miocic said. “What am I supposed to do? We’re in a pandemic.
What else do you want me to say? Even if I wasn’t a first responder I still couldn’t train so shut up. Stop crying.”
Miocic responds to Blaydes as well
Curtis Blaydes also recently opined that Miocic needs to decide if he’s a fighter or a first responder. When asked to respond to Blaydes’ argument, Miocic offered the following.
“I don’t really care what he thinks,” Miocic said. “What am I supposed to do? We’re in a pandemic. What else do you want me to say? Even if I wasn’t a first responder I still couldn’t train so shut up. Stop crying.”
So, we’ll see what happens with all this. Miocic also reported that his team is talking with the UFC to find a date for his next bout. Unless something changes, it doesnt’ look like we’ll see Miocic fighting this summer.
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