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Stipe Miocic stands alone as heavyweight GOAT

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Stipe Miocic stands alone as heavyweight GOAT

When you’re rating the best blended martial artists of all time when it comes to charisma, Stipe Miocic shouldn’t be in your, oh, high thousand or so. In case your standards for star energy consists of prefight bluster and even in-cage razzle-dazzle, this UFC champion doesn’t shine so brightly.

However in case you’re searching for the best heavyweight fighter within the sport’s historical past, you may discover him in a firehouse in suburban Cleveland.

Effectively, perhaps give Miocic a number of days earlier than he is again residence and on the job. He spent Saturday night time working in Las Vegas, securing his preeminent standing among the many largest of the massive guys with a unanimous determination victory over Daniel Cormier in the primary occasion of UFC 252. It wasn’t simple. Cormier, competing in what he mentioned each beforehand and afterward can be the ultimate struggle of his profession, gave the champ all the pieces he had. However Miocic did what an all-time nice does. He bought higher as the struggle progressed.

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If the pay-per-view is bought, all fights from UFC 252: Miocic vs. Cormier shall be obtainable to observe on +.

Stipe Miocic (c) vs. Daniel Cormier
• Sean O’Malley vs. Marlon Vera
• Junior Dos Santos vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik
• Herbert Burns vs. Daniel Pineda
• John Dodson vs. Merab Dvalishvili
• Jim Miller vs. Vinc Pichel
• Felice Herrig vs. Virna Jandiroba
• TJ Brown vs. Danny Chavez
• Ashley Yoder vs. Livinha Souza
• Chris Daukaus vs. Parker Porter
• Kai Kamaka vs. Tony Kelley

Watch the complete card on +

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Miocic dropped Cormier in the final seconds of the second round, sat on top of him against the cage and whaled away until the challenger was saved by the horn. So the champ went back to work in the next round, patiently pursuing DC, connecting with punches and kicks, clinching him against the cage, wearing him out. An eye poke near the end of Round 3 further compromised Cormier, but DC kept coming, pushing Miocic right to the end.

“DC’s a hell of a fighter,” Miocic said. “I wish him nothing but the best.”

Miocic, a 37-year-old Ohioan who even as a two-time world champion is not too much of a big shot to continue serving his community as a part-time firefighter and EMT, now claims four successful title defenses — twice as many as any other UFC heavyweight has ever managed. It was Miocic’s second victory over Cormier, who steps away from the Octagon as one of the top five heavyweights in MMA history.

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No. 1 on the list is Stipe Miocic.

Stipe Miocic gained the upper hand in the third fight of his trilogy against Daniel Cormier, walking away with a unanimous decision victory in the deciding bout. Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

That proclamation might not go over so well in Stary Oskol, hometown of the Russian great Fedor Emelianenko. The Miocic résumé, after all, shows nothing as snazzy as the decade-long run during which “The Last Emperor” went 28 fights without a defeat. Emelianenko’s record is dotted with conquests over some of the greats of the game, and he has long been the gold standard among heavyweights.

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To old-school fans especially, it is sacrilege to elevate anyone above Emelianenko. But Miocic has earned his spot at the top of the mountain. The consecutive victories over Cormier were not his only victories over an all-time great. Miocic became champion in 2016 with a first-round KO of Fabricio Werdum, who six years earlier had put a halt to Emelianenko’s revered winning streak with a shock-the-world submission. Werdum sewed up his own place among history’s heavyweight elite by tapping out both Emelianenko and fellow A-list dominator Cain Velasquez. And then Miocic simply smoked Werdum.

A one-punch KO in that championship bout — crumbling Werdum in front of his countrymen in Curitiba, Brazil — set Miocic off on a run unprecedented among UFC heavyweight champs. Within a year, he had scored two more first-round knockouts, clobbering former Strikeforce and K-1 kickboxing champion Alistair Overeem and then ex-UFC champ Junior dos Santos.

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Next came a date inside the Octagon with the scariest man on the planet. Francis Ngannou has 10 victories in the UFC, seven of them first-round knockouts. His past four opponents have lasted 45, 26, 71 and 20 seconds, respectively. But back in January 2018, Miocic went 25 minutes with Ngannou and tamed those sledgehammer fists, earning a dominant decision victory with a performance in which the champ relied less on his own mighty punches and more on a brainy strategy and well-rounded skill set.

Since then, it has been all DC, all the time, for Miocic. Their first fight, in July 2018, was over practically before it began, as Cormier landed a sneaky, short right hook out of a clinch to take away the title with a first-round knockout. A little over a year later, Miocic turned the tables with a fourth-round TKO, adjusting his game plan midfight and using a deadening succession of body shots to reestablish himself as champion.

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That set up the biggest fight in MMA heavyweight history. Saturday’s bout was the tantalizing completion of a trilogy in which each fighter had already separated the other from consciousness. It was the final fight in the accomplished career of the 41-year-old Cormier, a former Olympian and two-division UFC champion. And it was the crowning achievement for Miocic as the greatest heavyweight ever.

After trading KO victories, Stipe Miocic and Daniel Cormier went to the scorecards in their third heavyweight title fight. Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

This is by no means a diminishment of the Emelianenko legacy. Like Miocic, he is a humble man of exceptional achievements. Victories in the Pride Fighting Championships over Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Mirko “CroCop” Filipovic, Kevin Randleman and Mark Coleman, among many others, made the Russian worthy of all the accolades heaped upon him when the game was all his.

Emelianenko was just 33 when Werdum stopped him. That’s the prime of many fighting careers, early prime for heavyweights. Miocic, on the other hand, turns 38 on Wednesday and is still going strong, and the fighters who make up the rest of ‘s heavyweight top 10 average 35 years of age. All but one of them compete in the UFC.

Back in Emelianko’s day, it was up for debate whether the best heavyweights could be found in the UFC or Pride. So while Fedor did compete against several elite contemporaries, he did not have the opportunity to cross paths with other greats. The MMA landscape is different today. To remain UFC champion, Miocic must navigate the sport’s most violently choppy seas, inhabited by unquestionably the best heavyweights on the planet.

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Saturday night truly set Miocic apart. He had evened the score with Cormier last summer, and this weekend he took ownership of the trilogy and tightly secured the UFC heavyweight division as his domain.

It was Miocic’s night, to be sure, but even he surely would acknowledge that it was not his alone. That this was Cormier’s final rodeo (unless you believe UFC president Dana White) cannot be overlooked. “God bless him. He’s having a baby in October. God bless him with that — a healthy baby and a long, happy life,” Miocic said after the fight. “He’s an amazing champion, an amazing ambassador.”

Stipe Miocic’s fourth successful defense of the UFC heavyweight championship extended Miocic’s record in the division. Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC

Some will frame this closing chapter as DC once again falling just short of his ultimate goal. It happened years ago in the NCAA wrestling tournament, when he finished second, and at the Olympics, where his bid for a medal ended with a loss in the semifinals. It happened both times he challenged Jon Jones for the UFC light heavyweight belt. And now it has happened in his final trip inside the Octagon. But take note of who it was that handed Cormier his only MMA defeats: the greatest heavyweight of all time and the greatest light heavyweight in history — maybe the best fighter the sport has ever seen. Finishing in second place to them is no indignity.

As Cormier was receiving all of the hosannas in the lead-up to this big night — he is as loquacious as he is likable, and he basked in the spotlight — Miocic appeared comfortable in the shadows. During a 45-minute UFC news conference with the two heavyweights on Thursday, DC easily had 80% of the microphone time while the champ spoke sparingly, at times barely audibly. One thing Miocic did say was that he did not object, not even a little, to having all of the attention go to his challenger.

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“He can take it all, man. It’s all good. I don’t mind it,” Miocic said with a sly smile. “Good for him. I’m just going to hang out in the back.”

That’s Stipe Miocic, a man who relies not on clever wordplay, letting his fists do his talking. After Saturday night, there are only four words that matter: greatest of all time.

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Passionate news enthusiast with a flair for words. Our Editorial Team author brings you the latest updates, in-depth analysis, and engaging stories. Stay informed with their well-researched articles.

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Who is KSI’s Girlfriend? Who Is The Influencer and Professional Boxer Dating?

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Who is KSI's Girlfriend? Who Is Influencer and Professional Boxer Dating?

Who is KSI?

KSI, born Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunji, is a multifaceted personality known for his success on YouTube, where he initially gained fame through gaming commentary videos. Over the years, he has expanded his career into music, boxing, and various other ventures, amassing a massive following and establishing himself as a prominent figure in the online world.

Is KSI Dating Anyone?

KSI’s romantic life has been a topic of interest among fans, with speculation and rumors swirling around his relationships. While he has been linked to several individuals in the past, including Seana Cuthbert, Lois Sharpe, and Anne Marie, his current relationship status has remained relatively private.

Who is KSI’s Girlfriend?

For the past few years, KSI has been rumored to be in a long-term relationship with a mystery girlfriend, whose identity he has chosen to keep confidential. Despite occasional glimpses into their relationship, particularly in his Amazon Prime documentary, KSI has made a concerted effort to shield his partner from the spotlight, respecting her desire for privacy.

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KSI Family: Parents

KSI’s upbringing is rooted in a close-knit family, with his Nigerian father, Jide Olatunji, and British mother, Yinka Olatunji, playing pivotal roles in shaping his life. He also has a younger brother, Deji Olatunji, who is known for his own endeavors in the online sphere.

KSI Career and Net Worth

Beyond his personal life, KSI has achieved remarkable success in his career, with ventures ranging from YouTube content creation to music production and professional boxing. According to Celebrity Net Worth, His net worth, estimated to be around $600 million, reflects the immense popularity and financial success he has garnered over the years.

KSI: Height and Weight

Physically, KSI stands tall at 6 feet, with a weight that aligns with the boxing cruiserweight limit of 200 pounds. His stature, combined with his athleticism, has contributed to his success both in the ring and on various digital platforms.

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Also Read: Anthony Kiedis Net Worth 2024: How Much is the American musician and singer-songwriter Worth?

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Who is Zay Flowers’s girlfriend? Who is the American football wide receiver dating?

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Who is Zay Flowers's girlfriend? Who is the American football wide receiver dating?

Who is Zay Flowers?

Zay Flowers, born Xavien Kevonn Flowers on September 11, 2000, is a prominent American football wide receiver known for his exceptional skills and dynamic playing style. Hailing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Flowers made a name for himself through his outstanding performances both in high school and college football.

Is Zay Flowers Dating Anyone?

Yes, Zay Flowers is in a relationship with Ruby Antonioli. The couple met during their college years at Boston College and have been together since around 2020. Ruby Antonioli, while maintaining a relatively low profile, has been seen supporting Zay at his games and sharing moments of their relationship on social media.

Who is Zay Flowers’s Girlfriend

Zay Flowers’s girlfriend, Ruby Antonioli, is a supportive partner who shares his passion for football. While details about her personal and professional life are scarce, her presence in Zay’s life is evident through their shared moments and public appearances.

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Zay Flowers Family: Parents

Zay Flowers was born to Willie Flowers and Jackie Walden. Unfortunately, Zay lost his mother to a head injury when he was a child, leaving his father as the sole provider for their large family. Zay’s upbringing, marked by his father’s hard work and dedication, has shaped him into the determined athlete he is today.

Zay Flowers Career

Flowers’s football journey began at NSU University School, where he excelled as a wide receiver and cornerback. He continued to impress during his college years at Boston College, earning accolades such as All-ACC selections and gaining recognition as a top prospect for the NFL draft.

Zay Flowers’s Net Worth

While specific details about Zay Flowers’s net worth are not readily available, his successful career as a professional football player, coupled with lucrative contracts, suggests a promising financial future for the young athlete.

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Zay Flowers: Height and Weight

Zay Flowers stands at 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall and weighs approximately 182 lbs (83 kg). Despite being considered undersized for his position, Flowers has worked on bulking up his physique to meet the demands of professional football.

Also Read: Who is Kyle Hamilton’s Girlfriend? Who Is The American Football Safety Dating?

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Ryan Garcia Engaged to Australian Pornstar Savannah Bond, Says She’s Pregnant with His Child

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Ryan Garcia engaged to Australian pornstar Savannah Bond, discusses their pregnancy

Former WBC interim lightweight champion Ryan Garcia recently announced his engagement to pornstar Savannah Bond. He revealed the news on his Twitter account, stating that her love has pushed him to work hard for his upcoming fight.

“SHE SAID YESS!!!!!! [ring emoji] IM SO HAPPY AND MOTIVATED GOING INTO MY FIGHT NOW LETS GOOOOOOO LETS GO FOREEAL SHES MY WIFE OR FUTURE WIFEY BUT STILL VERY VERY HAPPY EVERYONE HAVE A GREAT DAY SAV G [blue heart emojis x8]”

Ryan Garcia engaged to Savannah Bond

Additionally, he also revealed that he and Savannah Bond are expecting their first child together.

“You weren’t supposed to say that tho Bruh You can’t say these things But yes she is preggy”

Apart from that, Garcia has three children from his past relationship: two daughters and one son named Henry Leo Garcia from his former wife, Andrea Celina.

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At that time, He received a huge backlash when he announced his divorce just hours after the birth of his son.

Also Read: Ryan Garcia Tweets About Him Dating Kylie Jenner, Netizens Confused Online

It should be noted that he is known for his erratic behavior.

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Right after he made the tweet, Ryan attracted a lot of criticism, especially from Christian followers, for dating a pornstar, Savannah Bond, when in the past he spoke about Jesus and his preachings.

He once claimed that he knew more about the Quran than David Haney, a renowned Muslim personality.

He also made many weird claims on his social media accounts. In the past, he stated that he knew how to cure cancer by just drinking coffee, fasting, and water.

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Ryan Garcia is a famous American boxer born on 8 August 1998. Back in 2021, he won the World Boxing Council (WBC) interim lightweight title. Also, in 2023, The Ring magazine placed Ryan as the world’s fourth-best active lightweight boxer.

Also Read: Fifi Titi’s Private Video Leaked by Boyfriend On Internet, Mai Titi Defends

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