Daniel Cormier Says Stipe Miocic Size Increase Will Not Stop Francis Ngannou From Knocking Him Out

Stipe Miocic has cemented his place as the greatest heavyweight in UFC history. Miocic, who has defended the belt more times than anyone else has, has beaten multiple future Hall of Famers. However, as the saying goes, ‘you’re only as good as your last fight’, Miocic’s last fight was not ideal. Francis Ngannou viciously knocked out the former champion in the second round of the fight.

Miocic would have most definitely gotten a rematch had he asked for it. However, the former champion has decided to take some time off and change a few things before he attempts to beat a man that he has beaten once before. 

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Will an increase in weight have a different outcome for Stipe Miocic vs Francis Ngannou?

On the most recent episode of ‘DC & Helwani’, Cormier shared his thoughts on Miocic’s strategy to come in heavier the next time he faces Francis Ngannou. 

Cormier said, “I think you gotta be heavy to fight Francis Ngannou because Francis is so big and strong. And Stipe may believe that in that situation where Francis sprawled on him and took him down, maybe he sucks a leg in, maybe he can pull it in if he is a little bit stronger. I don’t know if that is necessarily going to equate to that, but I believe that that’s a good first step.”

‘DC’ continued, “I thought he was way too small going into there the last time. I even asked him about it in the fighter meeting. I’m like man, do you think maybe you should get a little bigger…. I think it is a great idea by Miocic. Does it change anything in a rematch? I am not certain… Great idea by Miocic, you gotta something if you want a different result. I am not certain if it is enough because of Ngannou’s ability to knock him out.”

In the rematch at UFC 260, Ngannou had a 30-pound advantage over Miocic. Furthermore, ‘The Predator’ already had a significant advantage in punching power. However, as he used the weight advantage to his benefit during the wrestling exchanges, he was able to keep the fight on the feet. 

Once he was able to keep the fight on the feet, it was game over for Miocic. Hence, if Stipe Miocic can pack on a good amount of weight, it might help him get the better of Ngannou in the wrestling exchanges, thus allowing him to take the fight where he has the best chance of winning i.e. on the ground.