UFC: Stipe Miocic Reveals How He Beats Francis Ngannou In Rematch
UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic is fully confident ahead of his rematch with Francis Ngannou at UFC 260 on March 27th.
In their first meeting three years ago at UFC 220, Miocic successfully defended his title with a one-sided unanimous decision win. Since then, Ngannou has won four out of his five fights, all in the first round. While the Ohio native has fought Daniel Cormier three times, losing the first, before bouncing back to win the next two.
Francis Ngannou
Ngannou has improved a great deal since their first encounter, but Miocic points out that he has also made improvements to his game. Speaking on the ‘Oral Sessions’ podcast with Renee Pacquette (as transcribed by MMA Junkie), the 38 year old said that despite his opponent’s visible improvements, he will have hand raised once again come fight night.
“Francis is a super tough guy,” Miocic said. “He’s been knocking everyone out again and he’s on a tear, and unfortunately he’s going to have to fight me again. That’s the bad part. He’s definitely gotten better, but so have I.
“I know I’m getting old, but I’ve gotten wiser and I’ve got a few new tricks up my sleeve. [They say] you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, which is a lie. I’ve learned a lot since the last couple years ago. It’s the same outcome. I’m going to walk out with the belt around my waist: and still.”
It’s no secret that Ngannou is the hardest hitter in the UFC right now. Miocic however, believes his timing and speed are going to be key factors to winning next month.
“Timing and speed,” Miocic stated. “Really just speed. It’s all about speed. Speed kills, and that’s something we’ve really worked on the last couple camps fighting ‘DC.’”
Jon Jones
Jon Jones hasn’t fought since successfully defending his light heavyweight title against Dominick Reyes at UFC 247. Although, he later vacated the title to move up to heavyweight. While Miocic is aware that UFC president Dana White has stated that the Albuquerque native is set to challenge the winner of the UFC 260 main event in his heavyweight debut, he is fully focused on Ngannou for now.
“I heard that too,” Miocic said. “I’ll fight anyone. For now, though, the task at hand, the only thing I’m thinking about, is Francis.”
Who do you think wins the rematch between Stipe Miocic and Francis Ngannou at UFC 260?
See also: