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UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic said a rematch with Francis Ngannou wasn’t ‘exciting’.
Stipe Miocic is fresh off another record UFC title defense to Daniel Cormier at UFC 252. The win solidified Miocic as one of, if not the, greatest heavyweight fighters of his generation. At UFC 252 Miocic beat Cormier for a second time in what was the third fight between the two.
Since Miocic’s last three fights were all against Cormier, it’s no wonder that the champion is itching for something new. At least that’s what he said when he was asked who he wanted to face next.
In an impromptu ‘ask me anything’ session Miocic was posed the question, ‘Which one is harder fight for you Jones or Ngannou?’
Miocic fought and beat Francis Ngannou, the current number 1 contender, at UFC 220 in 2018. Miocic won by unanimous decision in a bout that he never looked in danger of losing.
Jon Jones is likely headed to the heavyweight division after he announced he was vacating his UFC light heavyweight title.
In response to the question Miocic said, “Francis isn’t exciting to me, already put on a 25 minute clinic on how to beat him. Want a new challenge! Would love to box.” (per MMA Fighting).
It will remain to be seen if Miocic’s new challenge will involve Jones. UFC President Dana White recently said that Jones’ would receive a title should if and when he moves to the heavyweight division.
This isn’t the first time Miocic has brought up boxing. In the past he has mentioned a desire to fight either Tyson Fury or Anthony Joshua in the squared circle.
Despite seemingly ruling Ngannou out of title contention, Miocic did recently praise the Cameroonian fighter. During an appearance on ESPN Mioic remarked, “Ngannou has definitely shown a lot better stuff since the first fight. He’s knocking everyone out in the first round. He’s just on a tear.”
“He’s definitely worked his way back up, but if we do fight again, it doesn’t matter,” added Miocic. “The same thing is gonna happen. Same result. There’s no difference that’s gonna happen. I’m gonna win and dominate.”
Ngannou is currently on a four fight first round KO/TKO winning streak. During that run he has defeated Curtis Blaydes, Cain Velasquez, Junior dos Santos and—most recently—Jairzinho Rozenstruik.
Prior to that streak Ngannou suffered back to back losses to Miocic and then Derrick Lewis.