Stipe Miocic is Focused on Winning, Not UFC G.O.A.T. Status

Due to what both Stipe Miocic and Daniel Cormier have accomplished during their careers, many believe that their trilogy fight will crown who is the best heavyweight in UFC history. While Miocic doesn’t necessarily disagree with that theory, the UFC champ says beating ‘DC’ again is his only focus.

Winning is all that matters for Miocic

Miocic and Cormier have been booked to fight for the third time on August 15th at UFC 252.  Cormier ended Miocic’s first reign as champion back in 2018, by knocking him out in round one.

In the rematch one year later, however, came roaring back to stop Cormier in round four to reclaim the belt.

Well, before Miocic lost to ‘DC’, a lot of people were already calling him the best heavyweight to date. Or at least, in UFC history. That’s because he defended the title a record three times.

So, due to Miocic’s accomplishments and abilities, obviously Cormier’s win over him also puts him in pretty rare company. Further, until Cormier was beaten by Miocic, he had never lost while fighting at heavyweight.

Recently Miocic spoke with ESPN, and he was asked to comment on the theory the winner at UFC 252, will become the greatest UFC heavyweight to date (quotes via MMA Fighting).

“I mean, yeah I think so,” Miocic said. “I definitely do. I think it’s a big fight. We have credentials, we’ve done a lot, and it’s a big fight. . .

“I guess so. I don’t know. Everyone’s been saying that (it will determine the greatest heavyweight ever), so whoever wins this fight is, apparently.

I’m just ready for this fight. I’m not worried about what you call me after, baddest man on the planet, the greatest of all time, I don’t care right now. I’m just here to win.”

What does a win mean?

If we’re just looking at UFC history, then, there’s certainly a lot of reasons to believe that the winner of Miocic – Cormier III will be the greatest heavyweight to date with the promotion.

Some might argue that Cain Velasquez, when he was in his prime, was the most talented heavyweight the UFC has seen. But, Velasquez only defended the title twice, and his career was sidelined by numerous, injuries.

If we’re looking at MMA history in general, however, then a lot of old school fans would likely point to Fedor Emelianenko. ‘The Last Emperor’ went a decade without losing and during his prime, he defeated many, legendary fighters like Mirko ‘Cro Cop’, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and Mark Coleman.