5 possible opponents for Stipe Miocic
This past weekend saw Stipe Miocic defend his UFC Heavyweight title against potentially his most dangerous opponent yet – knockout artist Francis Ngannou – and with that victory, he’s officially the most successful Heavyweight in UFC history, making a record three defences of his belt.
But who is next for the blue-collar Croatian-American star? If UFC President Dana White had his way, it sounds like the UFC would book Miocic to fight Light-Heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier next in a superfight of sorts, but Cormier has already stated that he doesn’t really want the fight. So if not Cormier, then who will be next in line to attempt to dethrone Stipe? Here are five possibilities.
#1 Cain Velasquez
The most obvious opponent for Miocic right now – assuming he’s fit and healthy this year – is former two-time UFC Heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez. Essentially, Cain is the reason why Daniel Cormier is refusing to take the Miocic fight, as they’re training partners and Cormier feels Cain should be next in line. Granted, Velasquez hasn’t fought since July 2016 due to injuries, but when he’s healthy, he’s still arguably the best Heavyweight in the world.
Nobody can push the pace quite like a healthy Cain Velasquez, and many observers would argue that with his wrestling and boxing background, Miocic is almost like a lite version of the former champion. Obviously, the champion would beg to differ on that one, and that’s why a fight between the two would be such a tremendous match to make. If Cain had been healthy, would Miocic have ever claimed the title? That’s the question the fight would aim to answer.
Obviously, the elephant in the room is Velasquez’s layoff, but realistically, the dearth of contenders at Heavyweight means the UFC would be more than willing to give him an immediate title shot upon his return, especially given his reputation. Assuming Velasquez can get healthy in 2018, he could well be next in line for Miocic – particularly if the champion is to wait a while until his next fight as has been mentioned.