Francis Ngannou is still interested in UFC news despite having left the organisation. The Cameroonian prdactor was touched by the announcement of the retirement of former champion Stipe Miocic. In fact, he sent him a touching message that is now going viral on the web.
At UFC 309 in New York on Sunday morning, heavyweight history was turned on its head. Stipe Miocic, regarded as one of the greatest fighters in his class, took on Jon Jones, the current heavyweight champion, in a fight that had been anticipated for several months. Unfortunately for Miocic, the outcome was not to his advantage. He lost by TKO in the third round to an imperious Jon Jones, who thus retained his title.
But the highlight of the evening came after the fight. In front of a packed audience and on Joe Rogan’s microphone, Stipe Miocic announced that he was hanging up his gloves. “It sucked, I lost. I knew it was going to be tough. He’s one of the best ever. He hit me in the ribs. I expected everything and I just didn’t do what I was supposed to do. Hats off to the man. I’m done. I’m hanging up. I’m retiring”, he said. This statement was greeted with emotion by the spectators, who were aware that they were witnessing the end of an era.
At the age of 42, Stipe Miocic leaves MMA with an impressive record of achievements and an unrivalled legacy. In addition to his sporting achievements, he has always remained humble, combining his fighting career with his part-time job as a fireman. This dual role has earned him the respect not only of his fans, but also of his fellow athletes. Stipe Miocic may have decided to call time on his career, but his name will live on in the history of MMA. He single-handedly embodies an era when heavyweights were dominated by technical, powerful and resilient fighters. His departure leaves a void, but his influence will continue to inspire new generations.
Francis Ngannou’s moving message to his former rival Stipe Miocic
Among the many reactions to Stipe Miocic’s departure, Francis Ngannou’s was particularly striking. The Cameroonian fighter, who fought Miocic twice, in 2018 and 2021, expressed his admiration for the former champion in a moving message on social networks.
“Thank you, champion Stipe Miocic, for everything you have done for our sport and, above all, for the class you embody and the example you set. I’m grateful for the way our fights made me a better fighter; those moments taught me more than years in the sport. Enjoy your well-deserved retirement and best wishes for all your future endeavours,” posted a touched Francis Ngannou on the retirement of his 42-year-old former rival. Despite their intense rivalry in the octagon, these two heavyweight giants have always shown exemplary mutual respect.
Jon Jones, for his part, also paid tribute to Miocic after their fight, calling him ‘the best heavyweight in UFC history’. An opinion shared by many experts, who believe that Miocic is the only man to have beaten such varied and formidable opponents in the top category.
Stipe Miocic, the achievements of an extraordinary champion
Stipe Miocic is not just a name, he is a true MMA legend. With a total of 14 victories from 19 fights in the UFC, he still holds the record for the most successful defences in the heavyweight category. His style, combining technical boxing and solid wrestling, has made him one of the most feared fighters of his generation.
In 2016, he won his first championship title, beating Fabricio Werdum by first-round knockout. This success marked the start of an exceptional reign, during which he would defend his title on three occasions, including against renowned opponents such as Alistair Overeem and Junior Dos Santos. However, his greatest rival will remain Daniel Cormier. Beaten in their first meeting in 2018, Miocic got his revenge the following year by reclaiming his title, before winning the trilogy in 2020. This duel will go down in history as one of the UFC’s greatest.
In 2021, Miocic faced Francis Ngannou in a highly anticipated fight. Although he lost by KO in the second round, the fight was a turning point for Ngannou, who would go on to become heavyweight champion. Finally, after a break of more than three years, Miocic returns in 2024 to face Jon Jones, another MMA giant. Despite his defeat, his courage and determination were hailed by all.
Leave a Reply