Midnight Mania: ‘Forever Grateful’ Miocic Releases Statement After UFC 309 Retirement

Tuesday, November 19, 2024 - 08:00

Jones v Miocic
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

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Stipe Miocic’s professional fighting career came to an end over the weekend.

At 42 years of age, Miocic made his final walk as a professional in the main event of UFC 309 opposite defending Heavyweight champion Jon Jones. Miocic managed to score a few times with his right hand, but mostly, the former kingpin looked slower and a step behind
“Bones.” Ultimately, he was finished in the third round (watch here).

Though an admirable show of toughness, UFC 309 made it clear Miocic’s time at the top of the division was done, and his in-cage retirement afterward felt appropriate. Given a couple more days to marinate, Miocic has taken to social media to release a longer and more thoughtful statement on his fighting career.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Stipe Miocic (@stipemiocic)

“Let me start this post by saying I am good,” Miocic began. “Been through a lot worse. I hope everybody enjoyed the show on Saturday. What an incredible way go out! I started this journey fighting in local bowling alleys & ended it selling out Madison Square Garden. It truly doesn’t get batter than that.

Sorry I don’t get the W, but you can’t get em all. Sometimes it’s not your night, that is the nature of the beast. You can’t plan a perfect ending in this sport, but I guess the perfect ending is to have been lucky enough to do it at all. You all have given me so much, and I hope I did you all proud.”

Miocic continued on to thank his team, former opponents, family, and the fans. He concluded his statement in the comments, writing, “Forever grateful. It’s been a hell of a ride!”

Miocic concludes his UFC career as a two-time Heavyweight champion with four total title defenses. With an overall MMA record of 20-5, Miocic has earned his place in history as one of the best Heavyweights to ever strap on a pair of four-ounce gloves. Likely, he’ll be in the UFC Hall of Fame sooner than later.

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Source: 
https://www.mmamania.com/2024/11/19/24300170/stipe-miocic-issues-first-statement-jon-jones-retirement-ufc-309-defeat-forever-grateful