Now-former UFC Heavyweight Champion Stipe Miocic has released his first statement since his main event loss to Francis Ngannou in their rematch at UFC 260.
The title changed hands for the first time since 2019 over the weekend when Ngannou knocked out Miocic less than a minute into the second round, avenging his 2018 loss to Miocic and claiming the heavyweight title.
For many fans, the moment was bittersweet — the moment was well-deserved and long-awaited for Ngannou, but Miocic, who still works as a firefighter, is a beloved fighter in the UFC. Now, the former champ has shared his feelings following his title loss, and he seems to be taking everything in good spirits.
“First and foremost, I’m ok. I know that fall wasn’t my most graceful fall, but I was unconscious, so it happens ?
To my family friends and fans, especially Croatia & Cleveland..
I love you and I’m sorry. I hate letting you down. To my team, thank you. I know you feel every loss just as much as I do. We win as a family, we lose as a family. Losses aren’t fun, they always sting for a while, but that’s the beast of this business. You can’t win them all, and it’s important to understand that losing is just as much a part of sports (and life) as winning. Don’t ever forget God will always put you where you’re meant to be at that exact moment. You can’t dwell on what you should have done better, but you can learn and improve from it and come back more prepared next time.
Unfortunately, I deviated from game plan. I felt great coming into the second round, I saw it was beginning to go as planned. He was getting very winded, and I came in over zealous and unprotected. I wasn’t in a good posture to take the hit. He saw the opening, and did what any great fighter would have done.
That was my error that I accept, it wont happen again. Lastly, I’d like to congratulate @francisngannou and his team on a well earned victory. Saturday night was your night, enjoy your victory! For now, I’m going to enjoy the down time, spend some time with my family, and welcome our son into the world this summer… stay tuned, God bless“
The show of sportsmanship is always refreshing, but not unexpected from Miocic.
