Photos and Videos: Newly-retired Stipe Miocic gets honored while he enjoys night out at Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Denver Nuggets game

Newly-retired former 2-time UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic just received an honorable welcome at the Cleveland Cavaliers vs Denver Nuggets game. The American fighter of Croatian descent is a true-blue Ohio native and is credited with being the first man to bring a world title to the state.

Back in 2016, the Cleveland Cavaliers won their first NBA title just a month after Miocic first won the belt, giving the state of Ohio much to celebrate that year. Now that Miocic is retired, the NBA champions paid homage to their fellow champ in grand fashion.

Stipe Miocic posted videos and photos of the celebration:

Photos and video screenshots set 1 [Image credit: @stipemiocic on Instagram]

Photos and video screenshots set 2 [Image credit: @stipemiocic on Instagram]

Photos and video screenshots set 3 [Image credit: @stipemiocic on Instagram]

Here's the full post:

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"Thank you, @cavs! #Legendary"

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Stipe Miocic credited Jon Jones' performance before announcing retirement after UFC 309

At UFC 309 last month, Stipe Miocic made his long-awaited return to action after more than three years of being on the sidelines. The 42-year-old former world champion faced the consensus GOAT Jon Jones, who was defending his UFC heavyweight title that night.

The two were supposed to face each other a year ago but the bout was postponed due to Jones getting injured in training camp. After a year-long delay and a total of three years of inactivity, Miocic succumbed to Jones' clinical striking and was TKO'd by a spinning back kick in the third round.

After the fight, Miocic was asked by Joe Rogan what his thoughts were on the fight. To this, the former heavyweight champ said:

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"It sucked *ss. I got lost. He's tough. I knew he's going to be good. One of the best of all time. Came strong. Hard kicks, you know. All good. Just that spinning kick we worked on. Just blocking [but he] caught me in the ribs...I expected everything. I just didn't do what I was supposed to do. Congratulations to him. He did what he's supposed to and he won. Hats off to him."

When asked what's next for him in his career, Stipe Miocic said:

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"I'm done. I'm hanging them up. I'm retiring. Thanks, guys."

Stipe Miocic has had a legendary career. Aside from being the first man to bring a world title to Ohio, he is also the most accomplished UFC heavyweight champion of all time. He set the record for the most consecutive UFC heavyweight title defenses with three, as well as the most total defenses in the division with four. He also set the most wins (tied with Randy Couture), most finishes, and most knockouts in UFC heavyweight title fight history.

Watch his post-fight retirement speech here:

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