‘I’m Not Trying to Be Overweight’- Stipe Miocic Reveals Plans for UFC Return

Published 05/26/2021, 9:21 AM EDT

Former UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic sat down with Submission Radio and touched on several moving parts in the division. With Jon Jones’ feud with the UFC and Derrick Lewis being next in line for gold, the landscape has changed around him. Chiefly, Miocic was the ‘baddest man on the planet’ not too long ago before falling to Francis Ngannou.

Miocic was violently KO’ed in his last fight by ‘The Predator’ who landed a shot that would spark anyone. Stipe Miocic wasn’t able to make good on his strategy from their first fight and ended up falling prey to Ngannou’s power. Many people believed the weight discrepancy factored into Miocic’s performance and the Cleveland native decided to speak on that.

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Stipe Miocic: Is a bulk-up set to be the difference-maker?

Miocic told Submission Radio that he planned to pack on some serious bulk before stepping into the cage next. Chiefly, he’s competed in championship-level match-ups coming in around 220-pounds and was severely outweighed by his opponents. However, given the opponents he’s likely to face next, Miocic has chosen to change up his approach.

“I’m not trying to be overweight by any means. We’re just trying to get a little bigger, little stronger. So, maybe get back to my old days like 240, 245. Maybe a little bigger than that would be great.”

“It’s [the bulk] going good, slowly but surely. Steady wins the race, I’ll be getting there. I’m just definitely eating more. I’m doing my cardio, just not as much as I used to do and just getting to lift a little bit heavier.”

On a mission back to gold

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Stipe Miocic is staring down the barrel of fights against names like Derrick Lewis, Jon Jones, and Francis Ngannou. All the aforementioned heavyweight’s clock in over 250-pounds with Lewis and Ngannou pushing the limit. Whether it be to a power-punching or grappling-heavy approach, it will be interesting to see how Miocic performs.

The Cleveland native has some of the best pure boxing and footwork in the division and has shown an ability to throw down. However, the opponents he’s had success against in the past were smaller heavyweights like Fabricio Werdum. Fans are intrigued to see if Miocic’s skillset translates effectively when he makes the transition.

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His comeback fight will usher in plenty of intrigue as this is likely his last opportunity to get back to UFC undisputed gold.

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Written by:

Darryl Pinto is a senior MMA writer at EssentiallySports. He is currently pursuing his graduate degree in Mass Media (with a specialization in Journalism) out of Xavier’s College and has a year's experience in his current role. Darryl specializes in predictions, reporting, and covering UFC events live.

‘I’m Not Trying to Be Overweight’- Stipe Miocic Reveals Plans for UFC Return

Stipe Miocic: Is a bulk-up set to be the difference-maker?

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On a mission back to gold