Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
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It’s easy to forget when watching Stipe Miocic win belts and set records at the highest level of competition, but fighting isn’t his only day job. The UFC Heavyweight kingpin is also an active firefighter-paramedic, which means Miocic is far closer to the front lines than most regarding the Coronavirus pandemic.
Speaking with Megan Olivi, Miocic explained that he was not confident his highly anticipated trilogy match with Daniel Cormier would be happening due to current circumstances. He explained (transcription via MMAFighting), “That way it’s looking now, it’s looking like summer, but I mean with this going on right now, honestly I’m not really worried about that. I’m worried about firefighting, and the paramedics out there and I got to do what I got to do. That’s my go to now.
There’s so many people out there that need help. Because people that are going to stay at home, and some of them, they’re going to get sick. Unfortunately, I’m putting myself in harm’s way, which I know what I signed up for, I’m OK with that. I just want to make sure I’m OK. When I come home at the end of the day, I want to make sure my family’s OK.”
To further explain his feelings, Miocic took to Twitter and confirmed that he was more concerned with helping in his own community than fighting.
I am focused on being a first responder. Not only did I take an oath, but I genuinely want to help those in immediate need. I hope we will all be fighting soon and back to our version of normal, but for now let’s make an impact in our communities. #SM https://t.co/APmRYyxm2X
— Stipe Miocic (@stipemiocic) March 27, 2020
It’s an incredibly admirable sentiment from the champion, even if it’s not one fight fans are likely excited about. Miocic recaptured the crown from Cormier back in August of 2019, which means that even without further delays, it could end up being over a year between title defenses for Miocic.
As a result, there could be talks of an interim title — Francis Ngannou is not going to wait forever — and Cormier could wind up stepping away from the sport before the trilogy concludes. Hopefully, the situation will unravel with a more positive outcome, but these are uncertain times at best.
Insomnia
I score this round 10-9 cat due to Octagon control and aggression.
Government : Everybody needs to work from home @ufc fighters : pic.twitter.com/QiRwaffNcm
— Gillian Robertson (@savage_ufc) March 25, 2020
Between condemnations from medical personnel and these two incidents, this week has not been a stellar week of publicity for UFC.
Ashlee Evans Smith: I’m gonna piss off all of MMA Twitter this week and be the talk of the town.
Jon Jones: Hold my beer. (Literally)
— MacMally (@MacMallyMMA) March 26, 2020
Edson Barboza is one of those tricky fighters who can make incredible opponents look pedestrian with the right style match up … or get hammered by a far less known foe.
An inside look at the process behind changing a fighter’s game — it will be interesting to see how Jessica Rose-Clark’s style develops in her next couple fights.
Now THIS is home training! It takes a good bit of practice to hold mitts this well.
Charles Oliveira’s bottom game is so fun to watch.
Slips, rips, and KO clips
Ray Sefo put a different level of intensity into this right hand.
Ray Sefo (K-1 GP 2006) pic.twitter.com/BaJeb1geko
— Beyond Kickboxing (@Beyond_Kick) March 25, 2020
An old clip of Benny Urquidez bringing the pain:
The Man. The Myth. The Jet.
Benny Urquidez pic.twitter.com/ruecrwZwAn
— Cerebral Vigilante (@Delisketo) March 26, 2020
Manel Kape is a serious talent, and he locked onto this armbar with serious QUICKNESS!
From the Archive:
RIZIN champ @ManelKape locks in an ultra-slick armbar submission on Daniel Barez from AFL 2. Plus some great officiating from @marcgoddard_uk. pic.twitter.com/b6lGBK4g3e
— AFL MMA (@AFLMMASPAIN) March 27, 2020
Random Land
With everyone trapped indoors, Netflix’s fascinatingly bizarre Tiger Kingdom is sweeping the MMA web and regular Internet alike. Watch it!
Midnight Music: I listened to The Beatles’ white album today, which is not my personal favorite Beatles album, but does have at least two possible contenders for my favorite Beatles song.
Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.