Stipe Miocic is looking to make UFC 260 rematch against Francis Ngannou “a more one-sided fight”
Stipe Miocic used the perfect game plan to beat the power-punching Francis Ngannou at UFC 220 in January 2018, but the UFC heavyweight champion is expecting a different fight when he meets “The Predator” in a rematch at UFC 260 on Saturday night in Las Vegas.
Following the first fight, Miocic fought Daniel Cormier three consecutive times, bouncing back from a devastating knockout loss to take back-to-back decision victories over the former two-division champion. Ngannou, meanwhile, went on a tear, going 4-1 and scoring four-straight stoppage wins over Curtis Blaydes, Cain Velasquez, Junior dos Santos, and Jairzinho Rozenstruik.
Ahead of UFC 260, Miocic is well aware that both he and Ngannou are different fighters than they were the first time around. Still, the Ohio native is once again looking to make a statement.
“It won’t be nothing like the first fight because he’s definitely gotten better, and so have I,” Miocic told MMAFighting. “A lot of things are going to change. I’m trying to make it a more one-sided fight, and of course, try to end it early, but he’s gotten better. The man hits hard, and it’s the heavyweight division, so anything can happen.
“He’s got a great coach and a great team, and they’re definitely working with him, making him better. He’s definitely gotten better, but so have I. I think whoever implements their game plan the best is going to win. He’s definitely gotten better, but he’s also got that one factor that everyone thinks he hits hard, and he does hit hard. You’ve just got to watch out for it.”
If he’s again able to get by Ngannou, big opportunities will lie ahead for the 38-year-old champion. Former light heavyweight titleholder and pound-for-pound king Jon Jones, who’s preparing to make his heavyweight debut, is expected to be next in line for a title shot and would provide Miocic with a marquee fight.
At this moment, however, Miocic insists that he isn’t thinking about Jones.
“Right now, all I’m worried about is the fight coming up with Francis,” Miocic said. “That’s all I care about. I’m not going to worry about Jon Jones until I take care of business.
“No question [Jon Jones is a big fight for my legacy], definitely, but all I’m worried about is Francis. That’s all I care about. The task at hand right now. He’s the only one.”
Given the danger Ngannou presents, it’s wise for Stipe Miocic to adhere to that train of thought. Despite the outcome of the first fight between the two, there’s no denying that Miocic has a difficult challenge on his hands.
In the end, though, the champion only sees things playing out one way at UFC 260.
“I win by any means necessary. I’m going to get that win. Walk out with my hand raised, belt around my waist. And still. Nothing’s going to change. You’ll find out come Saturday.”
