UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic is on a five fight winning streak. The last four of the title holder’s match ups all ended with first round finishes to some seriously tough opponents. Most recently, Miocic earned a first round TKO victory over former champion Junior dos Santos. While Francis Ngannou’s tear through the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has left many fight fans stunned, Miocic is perhaps the only one not impressed with the heavyweight contender.
Still, the most dangerous man on the planet will have his hands full come UFC 220. Miocic is set to face off against rising knockout artist Francis Ngannou. Speaking to FloCombat, Miocic offered his thoughts on the rising title challenger.
“He’s tough, he’s big, strong, hits hard but he’s just another dude,” Miocic said. “That’s what it is.”
“You’re telling me Mark Hunt doesn’t hit that hard? Or Roy Nelson? Or Junior dos Santos? Come on,” Miocic stated. “He hits hard and definitely if you get hit square like that [it’s bad news], but I’m definitely going to keep my head up, keep my head on a swivel, and make sure I’m doing everything right.”
Speaking on his lack of trash-talking at the recent press conference for the event, Miocic explained:
“I was there so I don’t get fined,” Miocic said. “Let him do what he wants. He’s doing well. He’s doing something right, he’s fighting for the title.
”But like I said, as long as I’m here, nobody else is getting that belt. I worked way too hard to give it up. I sacrificed way too much to give it up. Unfortunately, as long as I’m here, no one’s getting that belt.”
UFC 220 kicks off Jan. 20 inside the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The event will be featured live on pay-per-view.
