Stipe Miocic Has no “Bad Blood Towards” Daniel Cormier

At various junctures, it’s certainly looked like things were getting personal between Stipe Miocic and Daniel Cormier. But, as the heavyweights get set to fight for a third time at UFC 252, Miocic says he has no “bad blood towards” the former champ.

Miocic plans to shake Cormier’s hand after rubber match

When Cormier was booked to face Miocic the first time in 2018, leading up to the fight, the stars were pretty respectful towards one another.

But, following Cormier’s jaw-dropping KO win, the two started verbally sparring more often. Miocic made it clear that he wanted a rematch, and argued Cormier had gotten lucky. 

The two battled again last summer, and Miocic reclaimed the title via a stoppage win. After that fight, Cormier campaigned for a third fight, and at first, Miocic didn’t seem overly interested.

That didn’t sit well with Cormier, and tensions rose as a result. Particularly in recent months when Miocic made it clear he wasn’t going to rush into the bout on account of the COVID-19 pandemic.

There were also exchanges over eye pokes Miocic incurred in their second fight.

On account of all this, Miocic was recently asked about whether he’ll be ready to bury the sword, after Saturday’s fight (quotes via MMA Fighting).

“I’ve got no bad blood towards him. Not at all,” Miocic said. “I’m going out with the belt around my waist but I’ll definitely shake his hand say it was a hell of a time.”

The champ also relayed to reporters that he’s excited to put this chapter behind him,

“It’s what I do. It’s part of the game. I’m a competitive person and I love competition. This is it. After this and we’re done with the trilogy. Finally it’s over. The trilogy is over.”

And, while discussing Cormier’s abilities, Miocic heaped praise on ‘DC’.

“He’s a great fighter,” Miocic said. “That guy keeps coming, he doesn’t stop. There’s a reason he’s at the top. He’s a hell of a fighter. He’s going to bring it again here on Saturday. I’m ready for it.”

Not surprising

At the end of the day, it would be kind of surprising if these two ended their trilogy on bad terms. Sure, both have made remarks the other didn’t like, and yes, they’ve inflicted bodily harm on each other, twice.

But, really, the verbal exchanges they had never really got that personal or intense. We’ve seen far, far more inflammatory comments traded between fighters over the years. Review the nasty and at times, controversial lead-up to the Khabib Nurmagomedov – Conor McGregor fight for a telling example.