Stipe Miocic Will Defend His UFC Heavyweight Title Against Light-Heavyweight Champion Daniel Cormier…
We have another super fight on the way ladies and gentlemen. A supersized one in fact. The news has broken that UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic will defend his belt against the reigning light-heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier in July, at UFC 226. This fight came out of the blue.
Both champions successfully defended their belts at UFC 220 last week, putting in dominant performances. Miocic’s superior game management was too much for the much-hyped contender, Francis Ngannou. Cormier showed similar class to overwhelm Volkan Oezdemir. After the fight UFC, President Dana White suggested that a super fight between the two champions might be an option.
It is fair to say that not many people took him seriously. Cormier downplayed the chances of the matchup because his training partner and friend Cain Velasquez is due to make a comeback this year. Miocic had nothing to say about it. Now it has been confirmed that the pair will coach opposite each other on The Ultimate Fighter, and then fight for the heavyweight title.
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Breaking News
The news broke when Dana White’s media nemesis Ariel Helwani announced it on Twitter. He wrote:
UFC is currently working towards booking a champion vs. champion fight between HW champ Stipe Miocic and LHW champion Daniel Cormier later this year, multiple sources say. Nothing finalized just yet. Fight would be for Miocic’s heavyweight title. Moving in right direction.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) January 26, 2018
Not long after Helwani’s tweet, the news was confirmed that the pair would indeed be facing off, with the UFC posting on Instagram. Later, Helwani also revealed that there could be three champion v champion title fights that night. TJ Dillashaw may face Demetrious Johnson, while Cris Cyborg is expected to fight Amanda Nunes.
Cain’s Blessing
Despite Cormier getting a shot ahead of him, Cain Velasquez has given his friend and teammate his backing. He tweeted:
Like always, I'm gonna be in the gym everyday to help my brother @dc_mma become the next heavyweight champ at #UFC226. Once he wins, things could get interesting. #AndNew #WeAreAKA #GonnaGetMyBeltBack
— Cain Velasquez (@cainmma) January 27, 2018
Having secured his friend’s goodwill, there are few reasons for Cormier to reject what will likely be a lucrative opportunity. As there are few obvious contenders in either the light-heavyweight or heavyweight divisions, this fight is definitely the biggest money-spinner.
Makes sense
This fight actually does make a lot of sense. When Miocic fought Ngannou, a lot of public hype was generated. The heavyweight division has suffered from a lack of depth and excitement in the past. Now that Miocic can arguably be considered the greatest heavyweight of all time, with the most title defenses ever in the division, it is smart for the UFC to keep his momentum going.
Similarly, Cormier has a great opportunity to cement his legacy as one of the UFC’s greatest ever champions. If he beats Miocic it will be like coming full circle after the whole Jon Jones saga. The former Olympian has heavyweight pedigree. He is 13-0 as a professional heavyweight fighter and was the Strikeforce Grand Prix heavyweight champion.
Heading into the final months of the UFC’s deal with Fox, it makes sense to raise the profile of the organization. It will also serve to raise the profile of the Ultimate Fighter as a show. It was briefly lifted when Conor McGregor coached against Uriah Faber, but since then it has declined in viewership again. This is a very fun fight that fans can get behind. 2018 is a massive year for the UFC. We can expect more surprises as the year goes on.
