Jake Paul and Francis Ngannou send their best as Stipe Miocic issues emotional first statement since Jon Jones KO at UFC 309 ended career
Stipe Miocic has released an emotional MMA farewell following his UFC 309 defeat to Jon Jones.
Miocic was knocked out by Jones via a brutal spinning back kick in the third round of the pair’s main event clash at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night.
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He subsequently retired after the bout, telling UFC commentator Joe Rogan: “I’m done. I’m hanging them up. I’m retiring – thank God.”
Miocic is one of the most accomplished heavyweights in the history of mixed martial arts.
The 42-year-old holds the record for the most wins in UFC heavyweight title fights and the most bonuses in the history of the 265 lb division too.
He entered Dana White’s promotion during the golden era of the heavyweight division and quickly posted wins over the likes of Roy Nelson, Gabriel Gonzaga and Mark Hunt.
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Miocic made quick work of former UFC heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski in January 2016, before winning the division’s strap for the first time by knocking out Fabricio Werdum four months later at UFC 198.
“Let me start this post by saying I am good. Been through a lot worse,” Miocic said via on Monday.
“I hope everybody enjoyed the show on Saturday. What an incredible way [to] go out! I started this journey fighting in local bowling alleys & ended it selling out Madison Square Garden. It truly doesn’t get better than that.
“Sorry I don’t get the W, but you can’t get em all. Sometimes it’s not your night, that is the nature of the beast. You can’t plan a perfect ending in this sport, but I guess the perfect ending is to have been lucky enough to do it at all.
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“You all have given me so much, and I hope I did you all proud. Croatia & Cleveland Ohio especially. I felt all of you with me at every battle.”
During his authoritative four-year title reign, Miocic had the ability to outpower and outlast anyone.
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His four consecutive heavyweight title defences between 2016 and 2018 against Werdum, Alistair Overeem, Junior Dos Santos and Francis Ngannou also marked a UFC record for the Ohio native.
The two-time UFC heavyweight champion would go on to battle Daniel Cormier in a trilogy of bouts—losing the first, before winning the rematch and the third.
He was knocked out by Ngannou in his last octagon appearance, before taking on Jones three years later at UFC 309.
“...To my opponents, thank you all. I learned something from every single one of you. It was a honor to go to war brothers,” Miocic added in his emotional statement.
“To my wife, you are my rock. The ship doesn’t sail without you. You sacrificed so much for this dream and I love you…To my kids, everything I have ever done is all for the two of you.
“To my Mom, I know this isn’t the career you would have chose for me, but you have always been in my corner since day one.. it was me & you.
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“...And finally to the fans, you guys are the heartbeat of this sport. You are what makes the MMA amazing! Without you, we fighters don't even exist. The rush you gave me walking down to that octagon is forever engraved in my memory! Thank you for that.
“I'm not goin anywhere. Excited to start some new projects, bring back the podcast, break down all my fights & share my reality with you! Until my next fight...... just kidding, just kidding! Forever grateful. It's been a hell of a ride!”
Former UFC heavyweight champion Ngannou, who shared the octagon with Miocic on two occasions, sent his best wishes to his old foe.
“Thank you, champion Stipe Miocic, for all you’ve done for our sport and, above all, for the class you embody and the example you set,” he said on .
“I’m grateful for how our battles have shaped me into a better fighter; those moments taught me more than years in the sport.
“Enjoy your well-earned retirement and best wishes for all your future endeavours.”
Tom Aspinall's live reaction to the Jon Jones vs Stipe Miocic fight!
YouTuber-turned-professional boxer Jake Paul also had his say on Miocic’s retirement as a fellow Ohio native.
Paul beat Mike Tyson the night before UFC 309 at the AT&T Stadium in Texas, in what was a largely underwhelming affair.
“Stipe Miocic is the greatest fighter from Ohio ever,” he .
“Ohio we need to celebrate this man. Congrats on an amazing career brother.”
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UFC 309 witnessed Charles Oliveira defeat Michael Chandler by unanimous decision following an incredible 'Fight of the Night' bonus co-main event.
Meanwhile, middleweight prospect Bo Nickal got the better of Scotland's Paul Craig on the main card and Jim Miller submitted Damon Jackson in the first round of his prelims bout to secure a record 27th UFC victory.
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