Former UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic applauds his old rival Francis Ngannou for taking a stand against the UFC. Despite that, Miocic believes the world’s biggest MMA promotion won’t be changing its ways any time soon, no matter how Francis Ngannou feels about it. Miocic explained his position on The MMA Hour.
“I get it. I mean, it’s going to be a long time before any of that happens — [Ngannou was] trying to move [the sport] in the right direction, which is great, but it’s going to be a long time before any of that happens.”
Miocic: The UFC Won’t Change For A Long Time
Ngannou parted ways with the UFC when the promotion failed to reach an agreement with him regarding fighter pay and healthcare. Not just for Ngannou, but for those at a lower level in the organization, too. Miocic’s main regret surrounding Ngannou’s departure is the missed opportunity it represents for him to complete a trilogy fight against a fellow champion.
“I would’ve loved to have fought Francis again, but it’s not going to happen. Listen, it’s his decision. I wish he would’ve stayed because I wanted another crack at him. Unfortunately it didn’t turn out that way, but listen, he’s doing what’s best for him and his family. He thinks it’s the right way to go, and it’s his decision. I wish him nothing but the best and I hope it works out.”
Miocic, however, acknowledges that there is fresh blood in the division now. Specifically, this March will see former interim heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane face former light heavyweight champ Jon Jones in his heavyweight debut for the vacant belt. As far as Stipe Miocic is concerned, whoever wins that fight is the heavyweight champion.
“[Ngannou] is gone. So whoever has that belt is the champ.” Of course, Stipe Miocic may still get his chance to square off against Francis Ngannou once again. Ngannou has made much of his plan to box now that he is enjoying free agency. Miocic, now 40, is nearing the end of his MMA career, and may take the well-trodden post-MMA path of boxing when he eventually joins Ngannou in parting ways with the UFC. If that happens, Miocic is all too happy to don the boxing gloves and face Francis Ngannou in the squared circle.
“That’d be fantastic [to box Ngannou]. Hell yeah, I love boxing.” Do you think Stipe Miocic is right about the UFC, or has Francis Ngannou got the right idea? Let us know in the comments.
