The UFC has booked multiple fighters to compete at its May 9th card in Jacksonville, and continues to announce fights for May 13th and 16th shows as well. But, unless the coronavirus pandemic really hits a wall in the near future, it doesn’t look like we’ll see Stipe Miocic and Daniel Cormier fighting this summer.
Miocic says there’s “no way” he’ll fight during COVID-19 pandemic
Ever since Miocic reclaimed the heavyweight title from Cormier last August, there’s been talk about a rubber match between the two. Although Miocic’s been sidelined in recent months due to an eye injury, the UFC’s plan was to have the two fight this summer.
But, until just recently, it was clear when the UFC was going to hold another show, on account of the COVID-19 pandemic. The promotion was forced to postpone several shows, until UFC 249 was re-booked for May 9th in Jacksonville, Florida.
UFC President Dana White has said that the promotion plans to keep rolling out cards from here on out. But, unless the something significantly changes with the pandemic, it looks like Miocic won’t be fighting.
While talking to The Score recently, Miocic said this, when asked about competing during the outbreak (quote via BJ Penn.com).
“There’s no way,” Miocic said. “I can’t get a full camp in, so there’s no reason to fight.”
“It’s tough because I have a lot of things going on in my world, my daughter, make sure she’s okay, [and me] going to work. I’m just trying to do the best that I can.”
“Hopefully it gets better. I think it’s gonna get better,” Miocic added.
Miocic wants to focus on giving back via as a firefighter and paramedic
In addition to the issues the pandemic poses for fighters, as far as their training, Miocic wants to continue focusing on his duties as a firefighter and a paramedic.
While speaking with MMA Junkie recently, the champ explained why he’s not thinking about fighting.
“I’m not worried about any of that,” Miocic said. “Right now, I’m worried about what’s going on in the world. Fighting is not going away.
It’s always going to be there. We’ve got to get rid of this thing that’s going on and make everyone feel safe again (to) be able to live a normal life.”
“…I love what I do,” Miocic said. “I’m not going to sit there and run away from something I work hard to do.
The reason I became a firefighter and paramedic is because my whole life I’ve been helped to get where I needed to be.
This is my give-back. I love helping people. I love giving back.”
Pretty admirable stuff from Miocic right? But, ya. As it stands right now, it seems pretty unlikely we’ll see Miocic – Cormier III anytime soon.
In fact, you have to start wondering whether the bout will happen. Cormier has said he plans to retire before the year is up.
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