Miocic responds to White: ‘I can’t control a global pandemic’

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

“I have never ducked anyone. I’ve never turned down a fight, and I never will.”

Earlier this week, Dana White suggested the possibility of stripping fighters who refuse to fight during the coronavirus pandemic, hinting that current UFC heavyweight champ Stipe Miocic could be stripped of the belt if he doesn’t face Daniel Cormier later this year.

Miocic has since responded to Dana, stating that he desperately wants to fight ‘DC’ but that the current pandemic is simply out of his control.

“I want to fight DC. It’s going to happen period. Im going to give my fans what they want to see. My management has been working on dates with UFC. Right now I’m doing what the Governor DeWine is advising and am working as a first responder. I can’t control a global pandemic,” Miocic posted on Wednesday.

Miocic, whose gym is currently shutdown due to draconian state measures enforced by Ohio. Gov Mike DeWine, went on to state that he has never ducked a fight in his life and that he is most certainly not ducking Cormier.

“My head coach can’t open his gym by law right now. I don’t hold myself higher than any other person in regards to what I’m allowed to do. Ohio is under orders until May 29th. The second the gym can open, we begin camp. Plain and simple. I have never ducked anyone,” Miocic posted in a follow-up Tweet.

“I’ve never turned down a fight, and I never will. Strap #6 coming soon.”

Miocic and Cormier are currently tied 1-1, and both men were expected to collide in a trilogy bout during International Fight Week, which takes place July 7-12. The pair last fought at UFC 241, where Miocic dropped and finished Cormier in the fourth round to reclaim his heavyweight title.