“I Didn’t Know He Called the Shots”- Stipe Miocic Responds to Jon Jones Challenging Brock Lesnar

Stipe Miocic has carved out a legacy in the UFC heavyweight division. He holds the record for the most successful defenses of the heavyweight championship and has overcome the likes of Daniel Cormier and Francis Ngannou. His performances have given him the right to call the shots in the division. Hence, the fighter sees himself as the ideal candidate to welcome Brock Lesnar back to the UFC.  

In a chat with Michael Bisping on ‘The Michael Bisping Podcast’, Miocic addressed Jon Jones’ challenge to the former heavyweight champion. He said, “I think so, and a hundred percent I think so. I do, a hundred percent. If anything, I would get the Brock Lesnar fight first or be asked first. I didn’t know he (Jon Jones) called the shots. I didn’t know that.”

Jon Jones is the marquee addition to the division, and his fighting Brock Lesnar is not possible unless the former WWE superstar calls Dana White and confirms his interest in re-joining the UFC. 

Read: “I’m Sure It’s a Fight the Fans Would Want to See” – Dana White on Brock Lesnar vs Jon Jones

However, even if Lesnar were to sign with the UFC, Miocic would not get the fight immediately as he has a challenger in waiting. 

Stipe Miocic wants to fight Lesnar but must negate Francis Ngannou first

Miocic is recovering from his last fight and gearing up to fight Francis Ngannou. ‘The Predator’ has been unstoppable across the last two years and earned his shot. 

Hence, the UFC overlooked ‘Bones’ despite him calling for the Miocic fight and claiming it is the money fight the UFC should cash in on. As the UFC has overlooked Jon Jones, they will not consider Lesnar for the title fight. This is because he left the UFC almost a decade ago and competed in a one-off fight at UFC 200 that got ruled a no-contest. 

The UFC heavyweight champion believes that the next fight is always the toughest and isn’t fussed by his opponent. He said, “The toughest fight is your next fight if it’s Francis or its Jones, it doesn’t matter. If it’s Francis, it’s Francis. I don’t pick who I want to fight.”

Miocic doesn’t pick who he wants to fight, hence it may confuse him that a divisional debutant is calling the shots. 

What do you make of Miocic’s claims that the UFC should offer him a potential Brock Lesnar fight first?