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Stipe Miocic has dropped a bombshell and insisted that the UFC personally called him and announced that he would be next in line for the winner of the monumental Jon Jones vs. Ciryl Gane clash.
The former heavyweight champion has been sidelined since losing his throne to Francis Ngannou almost two years ago. The now-40-year-old is regarded by many to be the greatest heavyweight of all time and has an incredible resume to prove he at the very least deserves to be in the discussion.
Whilst speaking with Daniel Cormier, Stipe Miocic revealed that the UFC has made him next up for either Jon Jones or Ciryl Gane, depending on how their matchup plays out this weekend, saying:
"Yeah, they told me July. They said, 'You're fighting International Fight Week.' Yep [me versus the winner of Jon Jones vs. Ciryl Gane], that's what I was told... Yeah [they've offered me other fights], I'm not saying I'm dropping myself lower but [I want] all the bigger fights, I want to fight for the gold because I set myself up for fighting for the gold, [so] why would I take a step back and take a chance when I can win it right there?"
The last time Stipe Miocic fought somebody not named Francis Ngannou or Daniel Cormier came all the way back in 2017, meaning the well-rounded talent will likely have to make some major adjustments to deal with Jones and Gane's length.
Check out the Ohio native's big revelation while speaking to 'DC' in the video below.
Jon Jones vs. Ciryl Gane: Is Stipe Miocic the rightful next contender?
UFC 285 is filled with intrigue as fans will get to witness Jon Jones in action for the first time in three years when he collides with Ciryl Gane on Saturday night, but should Stipe Miocic be named the next opponent for the winner?
Sergei Pavlovich and Curtis Blaydes are on the most notable win streaks in the division and could be seen as great number-one contenders for the title, but as the two are booked to face one another, there isn't a clear standout at heavyweight.
This leaves Miocic, and although he's coming off a loss, his combined four successful defenses of the throne is a record in the UFC and arguably deserves to be rewarded.
