In a sport where trash-talking and constant self-promotion has become a popular trend over the past few years, there are those fighters who still prefer to let their performances do the talking.
And while Stipe Miocic may be at the front of the new batch of heavyweights looking to break through into title contention, the Ohio native subscribes to the old school mentality of show and prove rather than interview rants and random fighter call-outs on Twitter.
In regard to the proving part, Miocic certainly has accomplished this task during his time under the UFC banner. The heavy-handed Cleveland representative has found victory in six of his eight showings inside the Octagon where he’s bested a collection of tough competition.
With obvious talent, the only question surrounding the 32-year-old Strong Style-trained fighter was whether he could hang with the divisional elite.
He silenced any doubt surrounding his abilities in his most recent outing, as he went toe-to-toe with former champion Junior dos Santos at UFC on Fox 13. Even though he would ultimately come out on the losing end on the judges’ scorecards, the bout was a hard-fought and gritty five-round affair that would serve to elevate Miocic‘s status, despite the setback.
His bout with JDS was proof he belongs mixing it up with the best in the world, and his next outing will provide him the opportunity to take another strong step up the divisional hierarchy when he faces recent title challenger Mark Hunt at Fight Night 65.
Miocic is set to square off with “The Super Samoan” on Saturday in Adelaide, Australia, and he believes it’s the perfect scenario for a huge statement to be made.
“I’m feeling great and ready to roll, brother,” Miocic told Bleacher Report. “This is a great fight, and I love it. I feel I match up well with Hunt. I think it’s funny he says that I have nothing for him and he’s better than me.
“That’s fine. A person can think what they want, and I personally don’t care what he thinks about me. He’s one of the best in the world, but I think I’m better. I’ll show everyone that on May 10 [local time in Australia].”
While the majority of Miocic‘s preparation for his upcoming bout took place in his home state of Ohio, he also took some time to return to the country of his heritage and train with his idol in MMA. Both of Miocic‘s parents are from Croatia, and he took a trip there to train with legendary striker Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic and to help the former Pride champion prepare for his fight with Gabriel Gonzaga at Fight Night 64 in Poland.
Miocic is quick to say training with one of his personal heroes was a dream come true, but it also served to be an educational experience, as well. There are few on the current landscape of the sport who have garnered more experience than Filipovic, and Miocic returned to the U.S. confident and energized for his bout with Hunt.
“I had an amazing trip to Croatia,” Miocic said. “I learned so much and got a lot better. Cro Cop is one of the best in the world and such a great guy. It was awesome to train with him. There’s nothing better than working with him, and it was a great experience.
“It definitely was a great boost of motivation for my fight, and I’m ready to get in there and get the job done.”
Duane Finley is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report. All quotes are obtained firsthand, unless noted otherwise.
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