Stipe Miocic made a fourth successful defense of his UFC heavyweight belt at UFC 252. However, with Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou staking claim at the title shot, the wheels are in motion for his next challenger. UFC President Dana White said that Ngannou will be the next challenger. However, he didn’t announce a date for the fight. 

Former champion Daniel Cormier believes that the timing of the fight will make a massive difference in the outcome. 

He said, “I think Francis does knock him out this time unless again, he’s gone for a long time and refreshes his chin. Took too much damage in those fights between him and I.”

Miocic experienced Ngannou’s power at UFC 220. He outlasted the Cameroonian fighter for a record-setting third consecutive heavyweight title defense. 

However, he paid the price six months later as Cormier finished him to claim the title. Miocic took a year off before returning to beat Cormier at UFC 241 and again at UFC 252. The time away helped him reset and come back at an optimum level. The damage sustained at UFC 252 could take a toll on the aging champion should he defend his belt early next year. 

Francis Ngannou is a legitimate threat to Stipe Miocic

‘The Predator‘ possesses devastating knockout power and has eleven career knockouts. Cormier was in close quarters to witness the last one at UFC 249. He served as a commentator when Ngannou unleashed a barrage of punches and sent Jairzinho Rozenstruik crashing into the octagon. 

Ngannou has the experience of fighting Stipe Miocic. He knows what he must do to avoid another loss to the UFC heavyweight champion.

Read: Is Stipe Miocic the Only One Who Can Defeat Francis Ngannou?

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‘The Predator’ scored his last four knockouts in under three minutes combined. Hence, he is well-rested and all the signs point to an inevitable coronation. 

It seems unlikely that the UFC will let the heavyweight champion sit out another year, given how the belt hasn’t been defended as regularly as the other men’s championships. 

What do you make of Daniel Cormier’s assessment of the impending Francis Ngannou vs Stipe Miocic rematch? Do you think the timing will prove crucial to Miocic’s ability to withstand a second onslaught from ‘The Predator?’