Stipe Miocic reveals UFC reached out to him for Jon Jones fight on March 4 at UFC 285
Stipe Miocic made a revelation about the heavyweight title situation after the UFC booked Jon Jones vs. Ciryl Gane for the vacant title at UFC 285 on March 4.
Miocic appeared on The MMA Hour, where he spoke about the vacant title fight being booked for UFC 285 following Francis Ngannou's departure from the promotion. He revealed that despite Gane earning an opportunity to fight for the vacant title, he was in the originals discussions and plans.
He said:
"Yeah {was in talks to fight March 4}...They went with Ciryl {Gane}...Defintely, a hundred percent {was open to fighting at UFC 285}...I don't know, I'm not a matchmaker." {1:57:13 - 1:57:31}
The former heavyweight champion also mentioned that he was disappointed not to get the fight against 'Bones' for the vacant title. Despite not getting the title opportunity, he mentioned that he hopes to fight the winner, saying:
"Yeah, definitely was {disappointed}. It's a great fight, it's a great matchup for me. But it's not my decision, unfortunately, but we'll see what happens. I think those two guys are probably gonna put on a hell of a fight. They're both gamers and I'd love to get a crack at one of those guys whoever wins it." {1:57:39 - 1:57:54}
Miocic is the most successful heavyweight champion in the promotion's history as it pertains to his successful title defenses, so it is a shame that he didn't earn an opportunity to fight the most successful light heavyweight champion in the promotion's history.
Check out the full interview:
Stipe Miocic weighs in on Francis Ngannou's UFC departure
Appreciate all of your support during this time. Full reaction to my UFC departure is live on my YouTube channel
youtu.be/qmqzaK51NGQ https://t.co/RBZvzWNxAh
Stipe Miocic weighed in on Francis Ngannou's UFC departure after he declined their offer, which according to Dana White, would have made him the highest paid heavyweight in UFC history.
During his appearance on The MMA Hour, the former heavyweight champion mentioned that he would have loved to have fought 'The Predator' again to complete the trilogy but wasn't upset with his decision, saying:
"Listen, it's his decision, you know. I wish he would've stayed cause I would've loved another crack at him. Unfortunately it didn't pan out that way but listen, he's doing what's best for him and his family. He thinks it's the right way to go and, you know, it's his decision. I wish him nothing but the best and hope it works out." {1:56:02 - 1:56:20}
Ngannou didn't rule out a return to the UFC in the future, so perhaps there could still be hope of a trilogy fight materializing.