Stipe Miocic ended the longstanding drought for championships in the city of Cleveland after he knocked out Fabricio Werdum in the very first round of their Heavyweight title fight at last night’s (Sat., May 14, 2016) UFC 198 pay-per-view (PPV) event.
Coincidentally enough, Stipe was busy capturing the division strap the same night ESPN was premiering its latest installment of its “30 for 30” series dubbed “Believeland,” which focused on the struggles of Cleveland’s sports franchises for the last 50 years and the effect its had on fans.
Something you simply can’t script.
But, it was a fairy tale night for Miocic, who made the most of his opportunity, going into hostile territory and slaying the monster to makes all of Cleveland happy. Something Lebron James and the Cavaliers have yet to do.
Maybe this year?
Still, if they do, Miocic will always be able to say he brought a world title to the city before “King James” and Co. did. Now the question remains if he can defend it, as the old adage says you’re not really a champion until you defend the title.
Sorry, Fabricio.
While I personally don’t agree with that saying, Miocic will have the chance to prove to the fight world that he is indeed a legit champ. And his first defense will more than likely come against Alistair Overeem, the heavy-handed bruiser who is eager to win the UFC strap to add to his already-full trophy case.
And though Miocic promises to keep the strap for a long time, he, more than anybody, knows that fortunes can change in the blink of an eye. Because just like he flattened “Vai Cavalo” with a single punch, Stipe knows dangers lurks with every punch a fearsome striker throws.