Stipe Miocic lost his heavyweight title to Francis Ngannou when he was brutally knocked out in the second round at UFC 260. But he’s learned from his mistakes and says he will be better prepared for a potential trilogy down the road.
The pair are currently tied at one-a-piece, with Miocic dominating Ngannou to earn a unanimous decision victory in their first fight at UFC 220.
“I Hate Losing”
Speaking on The Pat McAfee Show (as transcribed by MMA Fighting), Miocic said that he hates losing, but it’s time for him to go back to the drawing board and rebuild.
“I hate losing more than anyone,” Miocic said. “I’m the most competitive person you’ll ever meet and I’m still but hurt about it, but it is what it is. It’s part of the game and I lost. I’ve got to swallow my pride and get back on the horse.”
Bulking Up
Miocic weighed in at 234lbs at UFC 260, almost 30lbs less than the Cameroonian, giving Ngannou a considerable size advantage. While the former champion said that he felt good on the night, he plans to bulk up for a potential trilogy.
“I want to get back what’s mine,” Miocic said. “It’s bulking season. I’m gonna eat as much as I can and get big and strong… I’m trying to get to like, 250. I made 230 last time, not because I tried, but because of training. I’m really going to stick to really trying to gain a little bit of weight, a little bit more mass. I felt good but I think 20 pounds will help. I will feel a lot stronger and he’s a big dude. (Laughs). There’s no question about it.”
Mistake At UFC 260
Looking back at the rematch, Miocic admits that he got careless after he landed a big right hand on Ngannou early in the second round that stunned him. ‘The Predator’ recovered however and landed a thunderous left hook, knocking the Ohio native out cold.
“I felt good,” Miocic said. “I gave him the first round but I wasn’t worried. He’s usually stronger in the first round. I kind of felt him gassing a little bit but he was still good and I was like, ‘Okay, we’ve still got four more rounds to go.’ Then I hit him with a right hand and I hesitated for a split second and he caught me with that hook. What are you gonna do?”
Do you think bulking up would help Stipe Miocic beat Francis Ngannou in a potential trilogy fight?
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