Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou has praised Stipe Miocic following the latter’s retirement from blended martial arts.
Final Saturday night time, Stipe Miocic was defeated by Jon Jones in the primary occasion of UFC 309. It wasn’t a very shut encounter, both, with Jones getting the higher of the previous heavyweight king earlier than ending him off within the third spherical.
Within the aftermath of the battle, Stipe Miocic confirmed throughout an interview with Joe Rogan that he will probably be retiring from the game. On the age of 42, he’s achieved all the things he hoped to, and now, he’s capable of trip off into the sundown with no regrets.
Francis Ngannou, who each received and misplaced in fights in opposition to Stipe Miocic throughout his profession, had the next message for the Cleveland star on social media.
Francis Ngannou pays tribute to Stipe Miocic
“Thanks, champion @stipemiocic , for all you’ve performed for our sport and, above all, for the category you embody and the instance you set. I’m grateful for a way our battles have formed me into a greater fighter; these moments taught me greater than years within the sport. Take pleasure in your well-earned retirement and greatest needs for all of your future endeavors. #Legend”
For Stipe Miocic, this marks the top of a journey that started a few years in the past. Throughout his run to the highest of the heavyweight division, he was capable of knock off the likes of Fabricio Werdum, Alistair Overeem, Francis Ngannou and Daniel Cormier, placing collectively the type of resume that rightfully leaves him with the standing of heavyweight GOAT.
As for Francis Ngannou, he was capable of study rather a lot from Stipe, as he stated in his publish. The one-sided choice defeat served as a reminder of how far he had left to go, and of their rematch, he knocked his foe out in brutal style.
We could by no means have gotten to see the rivalry, however followers ought to be pleased about what we did see.
