UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic now has another exciting title fight match up lined up in his fighting future. But, the reigning title holder is hardly impressed with his new opponent.
Stipe Miocic is set to face off against rising knockout artist Francis Ngannou at UFC 220 on Jan. 20, 2018 inside the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts live on pay-per-view. However, Miocic was not phased by the stunning knockout victory that got Ngannou his title shot against the champion.
Speaking to UFC commentator Joe Rogan, Miocic offered his thoughts on Ngannou’s skills. But, the fighter also offered his comment on Ngannou’s recent brutal first round knockout over top contender Alistair Overeem at UFC 218.
Video and transcipt:
“I think he’s a great fighter. Definitely, he brings it, he hits hard but unfortunately nothing’s going to change. I’m still walking out with the belt still wrapped around my waist.” Miocic stated when appearing on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast.
“His power, but I think everyone hits hard in the heavyweight division,” Miocic said, pointing out what he believes to be Ngannou’s greatest strength. “I mean 260-pound men, 250-pound men, you’re not supposed to be hit by something like that.
“I fought JDS (Junior dos Santos), I fought Roy Nelson, I fought Mark Hunt. I got guys that threw hard and he’s a little wild, too, which is tough sometimes you can’t prepare for that. Cause there’s punches you can’t see.”
Miocic then offered his opinion on Ngannou’s knockout performance over Overeem.
“I think that was a little bit on both ends. Overeem was just kind of being a little sloppy and then just put his face right in the lane,” Miocic said.
“I didn’t watch the whole fight with Ngannou but what I saw was he was throwing all these wild punches. When he fought me, he was throwing straights.”
“I’m excited for him,” Miocic stated. “He’s getting his shot but as long as I’m here, no one’s going to be champ.”
