Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Stipe Miocic and Daniel Cormier will settle their incredible rivalry in a highly anticipated rubber match this August.
Stipe Miocic and Daniel Cormier will compete in a much-anticipated rubber match nearly one-year to the day from their last encounter at UFC 241.
Miocic vs. Cormier is for a UFC pay-per-view event on August 15. Details on the event are scarce — no event name or location has currently been announced. The confirmed fight was first reported by ESPN’s Brett Okamoto and confirmed shortly after by UFC president Dana White on First Take.
UFC President @danawhite announced on @FirstTake the Miocic-Cormier trilogy fight will take place on August 15. pic.twitter.com/d4cMVLeU0G
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) June 9, 2020
Miocic (19-3) and Cormier (22-2-0-1) have played hot potato with the UFC heavyweight title in their prior two clashes. Cormier knocked out Miocic in their first encounter to claim the crown in July 2018. Miocic returned the favor with a fourth-round TKO in their August 2019 replay. It is interesting to note, however, Cormier was ahead on all three judges scorecards heading into the penultimate round.
The future of the UFC title picture was unclear over the last few months. Miocic, a firefighter, had no expectations on fighting during the COVID-19 pandemic. At least not until he could acquire adequate training. Their upcoming trilogy fight will likely mark the final fight for Cormier, who has had several brushes with retirement.