Already on Sunday, November 17, as part of the 309th UFC tournament, a superfight of two legendary fighters who will forever go down in the history of the MMA world will take place. We are talking about the confrontation between Stipe Miocic and Jon Jones.
There is a high probability that for both veterans this meeting in the octagon will be the last in their careers. That is why it is worth remembering and analyzing the path to the top of each of the fighters, but today we will talk about who beat people in the octagon on the weekend, and spent the rest of the time saving them.
Meet Stipe Miocic, an ordinary fireman with Croatian roots who became a UFC champion and didn’t lose his head.
Miocic was born on August 19, 1982 in Euclid, Ohio, USA, into a family of Croatian immigrants. His talent for sports manifested itself from early childhood, and his passion for sports developed under the influence of his mother, who always encouraged him to lead an active lifestyle. At school, Stipe played baseball, American football and wrestled. This versatile approach to the sport helped him develop both physical and tactical skills that would become important in his future career.
After high school, Miocic attended Cleveland State University, where he received a scholarship as a baseball athlete. In college, he was actively involved in wrestling, which allowed him to achieve significant success at the university level. In 2005, Miocic graduated from university with a degree in communications, after which he continued to play baseball in a semi-professional league for some time.
Stipe did not plan to pursue a career in mixed martial arts, but his interest in MMA developed when he began training to stay in shape in kickboxing and boxing. During these training sessions, Miocic began to show extraordinary abilities, and the coaches noticed him. However, the real impetus for MMA was his acquaintance with combat trainers, who recognized his talent and began to convince him to try himself in mixed martial arts.
In 2006, Stipe Miocic entered the amateur MMA ring for the first time, winning his debut fight. He began to actively perform in the amateur arena, where his technique, especially in striking styles, allowed him to quickly gain a reputation as a promising fighter. In 2010, Stipe officially turned to professional MMA, immediately becoming noticeable in the world of mixed martial arts.
After a number of successful performances at regional tournaments, Miocic was noticed by UFC representatives. In 2011, he made his debut in this prestigious mixed martial arts league, where he gradually established himself as a versatile and durable fighter.
Stipe Miocic burst into the UFC like a hurricane – confident, tough, ready to fight anyone who stood in his way. His UFC career began when he, a promising fighter with limited amateur and professional experience, signed a contract with the most prestigious organization in the world of mixed martial arts. The UFC opened the door for him to the world of big sports, where the best fighters in the world were already waiting for him.
Miocic’s entry into the UFC octagon was a real holiday for his fans and the beginning of a legendary path for himself. His debut fight took place against Joey Beltran, famous for his endurance and power. It was a tough fight that forced Miocic to show all his strength and endurance. Stipe rose to the challenge and won by unanimous decision, the first step toward being recognized as a potential champion.
With each new fight, Miocic became stronger and more confident. After a string of astonishing wins, he rose to fame among fans and critics alike, defeating opponents such as Philippe de Vries and Shane Del Rosario. His fighting style was unusual among heavyweights: Miocic demonstrated not only strength, but also technical skill, lightning speed and smart tactics.
However, the path to fame was not easy. In 2014, he faced Junior dos Santos, a former UFC champion. The fight was intense and lasted all five rounds, but Stipe lost by decision of the judges. It was a serious defeat, but it only strengthened his resolve and willingness to work even harder.
After the loss, Stipe realized that he needed to improve on his way to the top. He returned to training with renewed enthusiasm, working on his weaknesses and further strengthening his stamina and endurance. That persistence paid off as Miocic put together a string of impressive fights, and in 2016 he finally got his chance to fight for a world title.
The title fight took place against Fabricio Werdum, a Brazilian fighter known for his abilities in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Werdum was the favorite, but Miocic showed from the start that he is not afraid of authority. On a wild wave of emotion, in front of thousands of spectators, he knocked out Werdum in the first round, winning the UFC heavyweight title.
Having won the championship, Miocic did not stop. He defended his title three times in a row, defeating fighters such as Alistair Overeem, Junior dos Santos and Francis Ngannou. It was a true test of strength and resilience, but Miocic proved his invincibility every time, setting records for heavyweight title defenses.
In 2018, he met Daniel Cormier, a former Olympic wrestler and light heavyweight champion. The first fight ended in defeat for Miocic, but he did not give up. A year later, in a rematch, Stipe regained his title by knocking out Cormier. It was a victory that confirmed his status as one of the most prominent heavyweight champions.
The last fight of the American-Croatian champion took place in 2021. Francis Ngannou, gathering all his power in his hands, brutally knocked out Miocic in the second round. The highlights instantly spread across social networks, but we must admit: the 38-year-old veteran simply could not withstand the insane pace of the “beast,” giving him a powerful springboard to the top of the division.
Stipe Miocic is not just a champion, but a person who can be called a true embodiment of humility and strength. At a time when other MMA stars built their careers on loud words and provocations, Stipe chose a completely different path. He always had a deep respect for his opponents and gratitude for the opportunity to fight.
When he wasn’t training, Miocic was just a guy from Ohio State. Even before entering the world stage, he worked as a firefighter and emergency medical technician, risking his life to save others. Even when he became the UFC champion, Stipe did not give up his calling: he returned to his shift, worked side by side with his colleagues and was ready to help people in difficult times.
There is another great love in Miocic’s life – his family. He has said more than once that it is the support of his wife and daughter that inspires him to move forward. He spent simple but unforgettable moments with his family: fishing, nature walks or time with friends. This was his outlet, where he remained not a champion, but simply a loving father, husband and friend.
Stipe is a man who at first glance may seem unshakable and reserved, but behind this outward modesty lies a true warrior and a heroic example for all who believe in sincerity and simplicity even at the height of glory.
